The 2009 Southern Region Venturing service project is staffing the outdoor events of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Service projects help us Venturers as much as they help the people for whom we volunteer.... maybe more. That was what Sea Scouts learned in 2008, as we staffed Leukemia Cup Regattas across the southeast. We improved our teamwork, met Sea Scouts from other Councils, watched the reputation of Sea Scouting soar in the boating community, had opportunities to race and just enjoyed days on the water. Best of all, we had the privilege of meeting amazing people, (some of them very young and little people) who inspired us with their courage and determination in the face of blood cancers.


Project History
When the time came to choose the 2009 service project for SR Venturing, the VOA considered several possibilities. We were looking for a project that Venturers across the Region could participate in. We wanted a project that had many different activities, so that Venturers with a variety of interests and skills could contribute to it. We hoped that the project could help us build teamwork, meet one another across Council lines, be fun, and give us the satisfaction of knowing we were making a difference in the lives of other people.

Then Karyn Taylor, the wife of our professional Advisor, Greg, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. That clinched our choice: the SR VOA unanimously voted to offer our services to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in her honor.


The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society funds research, and provides patient and family services to people with blood-related cancers. To raise the money to pay for these research projects and services, the LLS holds a wide variety of events, from fashion shows to the largest charity-sponsored endurance sports training program in the world.


The Events:
Teams in Training: You and your entire Crew or Ship may want to join a team that is preparing for marathons, half marathons, triathlons, cycling events and high adventure hikes, from Hawaii to New England. The LLS will provide training opportunities, coaching, travel and entry fees, and you will raise money for the LLS by getting sponsors for your  event. If you aren't an endurance athlete yourself, you may want to staff a water station for practice or competitions, help with traffic and logistics, make the post-event celebrations spectacular, or cheer the LLS competitors as they pass by.

Light the Night March: These are candlelight marches in honor of people who are battling blood cancers, or in memory of those for whom research has come too late. The LLS needs people to provide first aid, help with crowd control, clean-up litter after the march has passed, etc.

Leukemia Cup Regattas: These racing competitions are held on inland lakes as well as along the coastline of the southeast. If you have seamanship skills, you may want to crew a boat, or race your own. However, no seamanship is required of Venturers who help with auctions, serve meals, register contestants, sell T-shirts, etc. Enjoy the food and festivities, and have your life changed by the cancer survivors you meet.

Other occasions: Each Chapter of the LLS also has its own unique events. Check with the chapter nearest you to learn about other activities of interest.

Start your own: If your Crew or Ship wants to create an event to raise money and/or awareness of the efforts underway to prevent and cure blood cancers, let your LLS Chapter know about your ideas.


Two Ways to Join the Fun
1) Ask your Council VOA President, Council volunteer Advisor or Council Venturing professional if they have been asked to provide volunteers for a specific event. Join the Council's support and service team.
2) As an individual or as a Crew, check the linked spreadsheet, choose an event, and contact the LLS chapter sponsoring it. (If you have chosen an event in another Council, be sure to contact that Council's VOA or Venturing professional as a courtesy. And don't forget to file a tour permit!)


Helpful links:
Spreadsheet of LLS events and contacts in the bounds of the Southern Region

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society webpage: http://www.leukemia.org/hm_lls

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Teams in Training Information: http://www.teamintraining.org/

The Leukemia Cup Regatta: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/regatta/hm_reg