Facility B at Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) raised over $6,000 through a pledge drive and food sales to benefit Relay for Life.
The daylong event represented a collaborative effort involving the Inmate Advisory Council, Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment staff and Facility B staff under the direction of Facility B Capt. Derek Crane.
Opening ceremonies included welcoming speeches from the facility advisory council and American Cancer Society co-chairs Monique Venables and Delfa Munoz. The PVSP Relay for Life event was dedicated to those fighting cancer, survivors, caregivers and those who lost their battle.
“We are all in this together,” said Munoz during her opening remarks. “Whether in here or outside, we all know someone battling cancer.”
The Pacific Islanders group performed a Haka to welcome distinguished guests while also signifying the conquests of life over death.
After a silent lap around the yard with staff and incarcerated population, the first event kicked off with various competitions including:
- free-throws
- home-run rally
- corn-hole toss
- and kicking soccer goals.
The incarcerated population came together, raising funds with a pledge drive as well as a food sale.
Organized by the advisory council team, the pledge drive gathered funds from participation fees along with the sale of memorial luminarias which were decorated in honor of family members. With donations from over 100 participants, the pledge drive raised $1,800.
Meanwhile, the Facility B Veterans Group also raised $4,200 from a special food sale. The veterans also played a large part in the opening ceremony with a flag salute and an acapella rendition of the National Anthem.
Submitted by Lt. B. O’Daniels
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