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Information for
the News, Entertainment and Lifestyle Editor
From East Coast Promotion & Research Group,
Quiet Resorts Public Relations and
Ocean City Advertising Agency
PO Box 505 Bethany Beach, DE 19930
PO Box 3605 Ocean City, MD 21843
Telephone: 302-537-1585 & 410-524-5351
Fax: 302-539-1232
Contact: Paul Jankovic
E-mail: ECPRG@aol.com
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BETHANY BEACH JAZZ FUNERAL
AND SILENT AUCTION TO BENEFIT
THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
BETHANY BEACH, DEL. -- Those who visit the "Quiet Resort" of Bethany Beach on
Labor Day to take part in the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral will have the
opportunity to help improve the health and well being of families in the greater
coastal area by supporting the American Cancer Society, according to Eugene
Fritzler, the assistant chairman of the 2008 Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral.
"The goals of the American Cancer Society and their Relay For LifeŽ program are
to develop cancer awareness and to raise funds for cancer research, cancer
education, advocacy and patient services," Fritzler said. "This year's 23rd
Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral and the third annual Jazz Funeral Silent Auction are
dedicated to the American Cancer Society and the Relay For LifeŽ program."
The 2008 Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral is an "End of Summer Season Celebration"
held on Labor Day Monday September 1 with activities beginning about 5:30 p.m.
at the North end of the Bethany Beach Boardwalk.
At the Jazz Funeral, spectators go to the Bethany Beach Boardwalk on Labor Day
Monday to join in a funeral procession of mourners, along with the combined
forces of three Dixieland jazz bands, that carry a casket with a mannequin
representing "Summer of 2008" to its final resting place at the Boardwalk
Bandstand.
Back for its third year is the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral Silent Auction to be
held on Friday August 29 from 3-5 p.m. at Bethany Blues Restaurant.
"Members of the Jazz Funeral committee are in the process of contacting local
businesses to spread the word about this year's Silent Auction," Assistant
Chairman Fritzler said. "All the funds raised at our silent auction will go
directly to the American Cancer Society."
Fritzler noted that the Jazz Funeral events add some extra spark to the final
weekend of the tourist season.
"We will kick off the Labor Day weekend on Friday with our Silent Auction and
close out the weekend with the 23rd annual Jazz Funeral," Fritzler said. "The
goals of both Jazz Funeral events are to continue to raise funds for worthy
charities and celebrate the end of the summer season in Bethany Beach in a
lighthearted manner."
Those who are helping make this year's Jazz Funeral a reality are in the process
of letting local businesses and organizations know about the upcoming events.
"Members of the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral Committee are out and about
distributing information about the Jazz Funeral and the Jazz Funeral Silent
Auction," Fritzler said. "We are happy to have received a high level of
positive support from the shops, stores and restaurants in the Bethany Beach,
Ocean View and Fenwick Island areas."
As is the tradition with the previous Jazz Funerals, all the proceeds from this
year's Silent Auction go directly to the American Cancer Society and their Relay
For Life program.
"The gift certificates and merchandise we received to this point, along with the
other items we expect to receive, will be part of the Jazz Funeral Silent
Auction," Fritzler said. "Our third annual silent auction is scheduled to be
held at Bethany Blues on Friday August 29 from 3 to 5 p.m.
We would not be able to help out the American Cancer Society without the kind
generosity from the businesses in Bethany Beach, Ocean View and Fenwick Island
areas. In addition we are receiving gift certificates and merchandise from
businesses in Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach."
The Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral is also dedicated to those impacted by the
lingering aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, especially the residents of New
Orleans. The organizations who were affiliated with previous Jazz Funerals are
known to have made a positive difference in their local communities and in New
Orleans.
The beneficiary of last year's Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral was the Big Brothers
Big Sisters organization.
In 2006 those who attended the Jazz Funeral events had the opportunity to
contribute funds for local housing initiatives supported by the Sussex County
Habitat for Humanity.
The 2005 Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral honored the excellent work performed by
members of the American Red Cross. Since the Jazz Funerals held in Bethany
Beach are based on the Jazz Funerals made famous in New Orleans, when Hurricane
Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005 those who organized the local Jazz Funeral were
inspired to do what they could to help out, Fritzler said.
"In 2005 the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral was dedicated to those impacted by
Hurricane Katrina whose late August wind, rain and storm surge devastated the
Gulf Coast and New Orleans," Fritzler said. "The 2005 Bethany Beach Jazz
Funeral held a memorial service at the Boardwalk bandstand to honor all those in
the Gulf Coast region and particularly New Orleans who passed away.
Representatives of the American Red Cross collected funds for Hurricane Katrina
relief."
Since New Orleans has experienced so much devastation during the August 2005
natural disaster, the lighthearted Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral celebration is
held as a tribute to this unique tradition pioneered in the "Big Easy."
"Yes, we encourage our guests to have lots of fun and to share some light
moments as we say farewell to this summer season, but we also remember that the
founding of the Jazz Funeral was in New Orleans," Fritzler said. "New Orleans
and its Jazz Funerals are just starting to get back on their feet.
Organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Big Brothers Big Sisters
organization, Habitat for Humanity, and the American Red Cross have been
instrumental in helping New Orleans rebuild its social and physical
infrastructure. Those who help with the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral and Silent
Auction are proud to be local partners with these outstanding organizations."
This year's Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral and Silent Auction are dedicated to the
prevention of a disease that knows no geographic boundaries.
"One of the goals of this year's Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral and Silent Auction
is to promote cancer awareness," Fritzler said. "Local representatives of the
American Cancer Society will be on hand to present attendees with the necessary
information to better understand the nature of cancer. Attendees will also
become aware of the numerous support organizations available to community
members."
Following in the footsteps of previous Jazz Funerals and Silent Auctions, those
who attend may make a contribution to the American Cancer Society.
"This year's Jazz Funeral will be positive and 'fun' experience for all who
attend," Fritzler said. "Of course, if one wishes to make a donation or has any
questions, representatives from the American Cancer Society will be on hand."
Relay for Life is an annual fundraiser organized by the American Cancer Society
to raise funds for cancer research, cancer education, advocacy, patient services
and to develop cancer awareness. For more information about the American Cancer
Society and the Relay For Life program, one can log onto their Website at
www.relayforlife.org.
Those associated with the American Cancer Society exhibit a deep dedication to
their cause.
"One of dimensions of the Relay For Life is the celebration of the lives of
those we love and remembering the lives we have lost," Fritzler said. "As a
community we are motivated to take a stand to try to exterminate this disease
and prevent it from effecting more loved ones."
On the day of the event, local organizers will be on hand to provide plenty of
information about the American Cancer Society event.
"In addition to enjoying the Jazz Funeral festivities, people who are interested
can come and learn more about the American Cancer Society," Fritzler said. "I
guess we aim to strike a balance between enjoying outstanding family fun and
providing important medical information."
>From a historical perspective, the Relay For Life event took early form when
Dr. Gordy Klatt decided that he wanted to raise money for his local American
Cancer Society office.
To do so Dr. Klatt started the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against
Cancer. For 24 hours he circled the track at Baker Stadium at the University of
Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. During this 24-hour period, friends donated
a minimum of $25 to run with Dr. Klatt. This initial event covered 83 miles and
raised more than $25,000.
Since then, Relay For Life has become a part of communities worldwide with
millions of volunteers dedicating time to raise money to help find a cure.
For more information about the American Cancer Society Relay For LifeŽ and how
to become involved, you can log onto their Website at www.relayforlife.org or
contact Dawn Hodge at dawnhodge@comcast.net.
The 23rd annual Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral on Labor Day Monday September 1
begins with a private "Wake" at 5 p.m. The "Solemn Procession" follows at about
5:30 p.m. This year's procession, accompanied by the music of three Dixieland
jazz bands, will most likely start at the North end of the Bethany Boardwalk.
At the conclusion of the event, those who attend the Jazz Funeral are encouraged
to enjoy the rest of the evening by dining at local restaurants in Bethany
Beach.
Anyone interested in helping out with the Jazz Funeral events or for general
information, please call to leave a message at 302-537-1585.