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Getting crazy for a good cause

Cops in pajamas and nightgowns? Faces covered in cold cream? Squads walking in circles in the dark? What gives?

By ANNE LINDBERG
Published May 8, 2005

PINELLAS PARK - If you're in the park behind City Hall this Friday and a woman dressed in a nightgown and fuzzy slippers with her face slathered in cold cream starts chasing you, you might want to halt - she's a cop.

She's Donna Saxer and she'll have plenty of backup: about 30 police volunteers, Explorers and other officers.

They'll be in the park from 6 p.m. Friday until noon Saturday as part of the city's Relay for Life event that benefits the American Cancer Society.

Relays are held on various dates across the country. One was held in the city of Seminole at the end of last month. The goal is to raise money to help find a cure for cancer.

Teams sign up to participate in the all-night event, which kicks off with a survivors' walk. At dark, a luminaria ceremony is held. Luminarias are lighted to remember victims who did not beat the disease.

But after those events and as the evening wears on, the atmosphere becomes more festive as team members constantly walk circuits of the park at 5121 80th Ave. N. Other team members will be back at the campsite fielding activities to raise money.

"As it gets closer to midnight, it just goes crazy," Saxer said.

That's when there usually is a pajama contest. Last year, Saxer dressed in a long nightgown and fuzzy slippers with toilet paper stuck to one heel. She donned curlers and slathered her face in cold cream. She carried a teddy bear and teeth in a glass jar.

The overall theme of this year's relay is vintage TV shows. Saxer's team chose Car 54, Where Are You? The show, about inept cops, ran from 1961-1963.

Saxer's team has held events to raise money. They plan another fundraiser during the relay itself. Saxer was coy about her team's plans.

"I don't know if I should let it out of the bag," she said. She gave one clue: "We won't be selling coffee and doughnuts. But it ought to be fun."

This is the second year Saxer will head the Police Department's team. It's all part of her job as crime prevention officer, who must become involved in the community. "I enjoy it," Saxer said.

The cause is especially worthy, she said. Every one knows someone who has been affected by cancer.

[Last modified May 8, 2005, 00:45:19]