The American Cancer Society announces the grand re-opening of the newly re-designed island in the virtual world, on Sunday November 2, 2008.
For several years, the American Cancer Society has existed in Second Life through its volunteers, Relay For Life event, and an island that served as a central meeting place for volunteers and avatars, of those who are affected by cancer.
Over the last several months, the island has been completely redesigned to meet the growing needs of cancer patients and American Cancer Society volunteers in Second Life. In 2008, the Relay For Life of Second Life volunteers raised over $200,000 USD which cumulated with an event that was attended by more than 2,000 avatars on 35 sims.
The new American Cancer Society Island in Second Life will feature a "Hope Haven," a place where the cancer survivor support group can meet regularly and in private so they can share intimate information with each other to help cope with diagnoses and treatment, as well as provide comfort and support for one another.
The new Island will also feature a 4-story, two-tiered office building that will be dedicated to Relay For Life volunteers. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer volunteers, Island Greeter volunteers, and an Information Library. American Cancer Society pamphlets and brochures will provide information related to cancer prevention, treatment options, support and information will be available in the Information Library, as well as informative videos about the history of the American Cancer Society, cancer information, patient support programs, and Relay For Life information.
Visitors will arrive at the island at the Welcome Center, where a volunteer will be available at all times to greet and provide direction and/or information. The island will also feature a Memorial Garden to remember loved ones lost, 2 amphitheaters for large meetings, several smaller outdoor meeting areas, and a medium sized office space in a separate building.
Events will begin at 9.30am SLT with an opening ceremony scheduled to begin at 10am SLT, from 9.30 on visitors will be entertained by the lively DJs at T1 Radio while wandering tours take place. There will be greeters stationed around the island to direct and answer any questions and explain the area visitors find themselves in.
At 10.00am SLT opening comments and thank yous will take place hosted by Stingray9798 Raymaker in the Southeast Amphitheatre.
11am will see the Survivors' Makeover/Fashion Show sponsored and supported by FACES with Cinders Vale, Poppy Zabelin and Serendipity Nerd followed by a closing speech from Stingray9798 Raymaker.
The objective of the new design has been to provide visitors with a breathtaking view, peaceful atmosphere, and a comfortable place for volunteers and those seeking information to return as often as they like. "The American Cancer Society plans to utilize the virtual office no differently (in concept) than any other office in any other city," says Jeffrey Montegut, the American Cancer Society's Second Life Manager. "The same services that are offered in a real life office should be available to the Second Life community, because there are real people facing real issues behind each and every avatar. The American Cancer Society recognizes that, and fully supports our volunteers in Second Life."
Schedule of events: (times maybe subject to change)
Sunday 10/5/08
Open @ 9:30 AM SLT
Ceremony @ 10:00 AM SLT
9:30 AM SLT Wandering Tour (30 minutes) - T1 Radio Streams Music
10:00 AM SLT Southeast Amphitheater - Stingray9798 Raymaker
10:15 AM SLT - Video stream of American Cancer Society-funded researcher
10:30 AM SLT Wandering Tour Break (30 minutes) - - T1 Radio Streams Music
11:00 AM SLT Survivors' Makeover/Fashion Show
11:30 AM SLT Future Plans/Closing - - Stingray9798 Raymaker
