It was quite the weekend for local families, friends and community members of loved ones surviving or remembered for their bouts with cancer as Relay For Life/Morgan Hill eclipsed six figures in funds raised for cancer research.
“The RFL/MH was an outstanding success,” declared Andy Nunez, the marketing lead for this year’s event. “Over $100,000 was raised by our little community of Morgan Hill and nearby residents of Gilroy and San Martin.”
Nunez and his wife, Chris Nunez, became increasingly active with the local relay since Chris was diagnosed with multi-form glioblastoma in 2012 and had a brain tumor removed. This year, the Nunez’ worked on the organizing committee and also participated with Team Cure, which is captained by former Relay lead organizer Valerie Renggli. Team Cure has raised $12,400, surpassing its $1,000 goal, and Renggli, who passed the torch this year and now acts as an advisor, was credited with raising $5,050 of that total.
Held May 20-21 at Morgan Hill Community Park, the local version of the American Cancer Society’s biggest fundraiser of the year was one of the most successful in recent history. Donations are still being taken at relayforlife.org/morganhill.
Jen’s Rebel Mamas was Morgan Hill’s top fundraising Relay team, totaling $23,604 and counting, and captain Amanda Banta was the Relay’s top producing individual at $5,880. Teammate and Relay organizer Nikkie Underhill raised $2,221. Underhill and Kelly Carmichael were the lead organizers in 2017.
Dancers Against Cancer raised $20,715 and captain Nancy Bernal led that charge with $4,390.
Other top fundraising teams were: Stormtroopers to End Cancer ($8,439); Team Grandpa ($7,394); CSMH Cheetahs ($6,672); Peg’s Legs ($3,332); and Masonic Movers ($3,244).
The 24-hour walkathon and community party was filled with fun activities, games and entertainment throughout the day as teams continued to generate funds for the ACS and pay tribute to loved ones.
