Kites Fly High Over Coopers In Support Of Uniting Against Lung Cancer

For the past eight consecutive years, Coopers Beach in Southampton has become home to the incredible Memorial Day Weekend event, Kites For A Cure. Uniting Against Lung Cancer (UALC) started the event in memory of Joan Scarangello, a Southampton resident and non-smoker who lost her battle with lung cancer. The eighth annual Kites For A Cure took place on Saturday, May 24, 2014, making the start of the summer of 2014 a great one. Through the combined efforts from about five hundred guests, the event raised nearly $60,000, which will be donated to innovative lung cancer research.

“‘Kites for a Cure’ always brings joy to Coopers Beach – it’s something for the whole family that not only welcomes summer, but ultimately brings people together in hope to rally against the nation’s number one cancer killer,” said Mark Epley, Mayor of the Village of Southampton. “We truly love hosting this event year after year, and it’s a privilege to assist the work of this incredible organization.”

The program was simple. For a thirty-dollar donation, participants received a high quality, white kite, through which they could explore artistic vision with provided art supplies. The finished masterpieces, which included pictures, quotes, sayings, and pretty rainbows colored by the youngest and most talented artists, took to the sky through a variety of take off techniques. Kids sprinted down sand dunes and ran along the water as their parents guided the kites into the perfect gusts of wind.

“The support of the local community, the Village of Southampton, the Southampton Chamber of Commerce and the many local businesses is integral,” said Mary Ann Tighe, Uniting Against Lung Cancer President. “We truly appreciate their enthusiasm and dedication to our event, and it is with their help that we are a few steps closer to finding a cure.”

For more information on Uniting Against Lung Cancer, visit www.unitingagainstlungcancer.org.