Relay For Life returns for a fourth year to raise funds for
cancer research and to celebrate the lives of those who fight the
disease.
Relay For Life returns for a fourth year to raise funds for cancer research and to celebrate the lives of those who fight the disease.
The 24-hour event will take over the Oakwood School grounds on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, where hundreds of residents and their friends will circle the track for one entire day, emphasizing the fact that cancer never sleeps.
Many walkers camp out overnight on the campus at 105 John Wilson Way; others sleep at home, returning early Sunday morning to walk again and take part in closing ceremonies, wrapping up 24-hours of fun, fund-raising and reflection.
Chris Schilling and Ingrid Wafflebakker will co-chair Relay 2005 as they have since 2002.
“Team recruiting is going well,” Schilling said Friday. “We have 27 teams that signed up the first night and more are expected.”
Since 700 walkers raised $147,000 in 2002, far more than the $80,000 goal, the annual event has continued to gain the attention of the community and earn even more for the fight against cancer. The 2004 Relay surpassed its goal with $158,000. This year’s goal is $155,000, according to Emile Robb of the American Cancer Society.
Robb said the money goes directly to the ACS. Morgan Hill’s Relay is one of 12 in Santa Clara County that raised $1,418,303 in 2004 for the fight against cancer.
The community responds to Relay For Life by forming teams – usually 10-20 people – of friends, family, co-workers or school groups who find sponsors. Individuals may also join established teams. Each team has at least one person walking the track at all times during the event.
It is not necessary to walk or join a team to contribute since donations are welcome to.
The day’s format evolved so well over several years, Schilling said, that the 2005 Relay will look much like Relay 2004.
“We’re bringing in bands and musical groups, including the Gilroy High School Choir to open the luminaria ceremony at 9pm Saturday,” Schilling said.
“Councilman Larry Carr will give the opening speech and everyone will be pleased that Mama Mia’s (Italian Restaurant) will provide lunch and Rosy’s at the Beach will provide dinner.”
Luminarias are a Mexican tradition usually brought out during the Christmas season.
Paper bags are partially filled with sand (for stability and safety) and a candle is lit inside making an ethereal display of light and shadow.
A Kids’ Corner from noon to 5pm Saturday returns with crafts, games and activities to keep the little ones engaged and almost every lap of the track will have a theme with a small prize to the best decked-out team, Schilling said.
One highlight is always the opening Survivors’ Lap, where cancer survivors join together to walk or ride around the track to the encouraging applause and cheers of hundreds of supporters.
Relay For Life 2005, May 21-23, 10am-10am, Oakwood School, 105 John Wilson Way.
Details or to donate: Emilie Robb, e-mail to Emilie.Rob *@****er.org or call 688-0127.
