Country star LaRoche rocks the mountain, raises funds for Relay

By Owen Boss

PRINCETON — Local country music star Tim LaRoche played a charity concert at Wachusett Mountain Saturday, the proceeds from which will benefit the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life at Mount Wachusett Community College. Terri Bennett, coordinator of the event, and president of her American Cancer Society fundraising effort, appropriately named “Team Princeton,” said that she became more actively involved in fundraising for the society after her mother passed away several years ago. “My mother died of pancreatic cancer in 2006 and I decided then and there that I had to get up and do something,” said Ms. Bennet. “Following my mother’s funeral, I started attending meetings and formed a team here in Princeton.” Although many members of her team were friends and family members, she said it was not difficult to find people who wanted to actively participate in fundraising for cancer research because the disease affects so many people. “Almost every family in one way or another has been affected by cancer,” said Ms. Bennet. “It’s great to see so many people come together to help fund research.” Tim LaRoche, who was made famous after being selected as one of 10 finalists on the hit TV series “Nashville Star,” said that he has been participating in Relay for Life fundraisers for the past six years. “I’m always willing to do one of these Relay for Life events,” said Mr. LaRoche. “I get asked every year because I know so many people that are actively involved in raising money for cancer, and I will say yes to pretty much whoever asks me first.” Ms. Bennet said that 2007’s Relay for Life had more than 3,000 participants, and it is open to anyone who wants to participate regardless of age or athletic ability. “We get all kinds of people participating,” said Ms. Bennet. “Last year we had a wide array of participants, including people being pushed in wheelchairs and using walkers.” The Greater Gardner Relay ranks seventh among 4,800 Relay for Life events held nationally in fundraising, and was first place among the some 190 events throughout New England. In 2007, more than 4,600 community members participated in the relay to raise more than $800,571 to benefit the American Cancer Society's life-saving programs of research, education, advocacy, and service. This year’s Relay For Life event is scheduled for June 6 and 7 at Mount Wachusett Community College. oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 1 on 5/5/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 107)