CENTRAL MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. – On June 4, 2016, over 50 Western Pest Services employees and their families came out in force to raise money and awareness in the battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society – Relay for Life. As the American Cancer Society’s largest grassroots and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer, the Relay for Life movement unites families, friends, businesses, hospitals, schools, service organizations, and faith based groups in communities throughout the country, to celebrate those who have battled any type of cancer, remember loved ones lost, and provide everyone with an opportunity to take action to help find a cure.
Western has been a sponsor of the Relay for Life event in Central Morris County, New Jersey for years, but this year the employees really stepped up and supported the event in person and through their financial support. As the top fund raising company at the event, the Western team ended up raising several thousand dollars. The sight of so many great Western employees walking together as a team to support such a worthy cause was truly special.
This year’s event was organized in large part through the efforts of Western’s very own, Karen DeChristopher. In addition to all the work DeChristopher did to help coordinate the event, she also acted as the “Master of Ceremonies” for the day. During the event, DeChristopher was awarded the “Eternal Flame Award” which is presented by the American Cancer Society in recognition of people that have turned their own cancer experience into something positive to help others fighting this disease.
The highlight for many of us was the fun we had meeting and spending time with coworkers from various branches that in some cases had never met each other before. We even had employees travel several hours to support this event.
It’s nice to work with such talented people that are so willing to give their time and money to help others. Thanks to all that attended. We look forward to an even bigger event next year!
Editor’s note: Mark Bretz, vice president and general manager at Western Pest Services, Parsippany, N.J., wrote the following article about Western Pest Services’ involvement in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.