Rebooted ‘Relay for Life’ on track for August 1
In California, 133,060 people will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and 53,565 will die. Where can one person make difference in lowering those numbers? The annual Relay for Life.
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s nationwide signature event, and the Sonoma outing, this year on August 1, is among the top 20 in California.
“Relay for Life is more than a fundraiser, it allows us to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle,” said event co-leader Felice Torri. “It educates the community on early detection and prevention. Getting involved in the fight against cancer can’t wait.”
Torri said the goal is to double the number of lives saved, reduce the incidence of cancer by 25 percent, and impact the quality of life of cancer patients and their families.
The event has a few new twists, like virtual teams and less time walking the Sonoma Valley High School track. “We’ve streamlined it, as everything happens within 24 hours,” said Golly G. M cGinty, the other event co-leader.
For years the event followed the same script, and the interest of volunteers began to wane. Torri and Mc Ginty stepped up to make sure the event carried on.
This is how it works: A team captain gathers friends, co-workers, and family and forms a team. Team members reach out to collect contributions prior to the event.
Cancer survivors are invited to walk the initial lap Saturday morning at 9 a.m. “It’s heartwarming and hopeful to see so many people who do survive cancer, who are beating the odds,” Torri said.
At dusk, after a day of entertainment, comes the luminary ceremony. Hundreds of white bags, lit from within by a candle, are placed around the track, each one dedicated in honor of a cancer survivor, or in memory of someone who died from cancer.
“It’s a very intense, very reverent moment,” Torri said. “Like the Survivor’s Walk, it’s very empowering.”
The event now begins with a Friday Evening Welcome, on July 31, featuring a movie and popcorn. Teams can come to the track anytime after 5 p.m. to set up a site, which can include lawn furniture, shade tents – “whatever you need to make yourself at home for a great weekend of entertainment,” Mc Ginty explained. There will be lunch and dinner at the track with tickets sales in advance for $5 each. Email [email protected] or call Torri or Mc Ginty to purchase your tickets before July 22nd.
And as for having a team member walking the track throughout the night, that’s no longer required. In fact, as a virtual team, you can raise money without even attending the event.
“But come on out,” Torri advised. “When you feel the team spirit and commitment, you’ll know we have a real shot at beating cancer.”
To sign up, go to Relayforlife.org/Sonoma.
Relay notes
- A Survivors Dinner will be held Thursday, July 30, at 6 p.m. Each survivor can bring one guest. Reservations required.
- Volunteers needed for set-up Friday afternoon, and throughout the day on Saturday, and clean-up on Sunday
- There is a Silent Auction on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. In need of items that are unique — one of a kind, so those of you who are artistic and would like to share your talent by donating, please give us a call. Items can be dropped off at CENTURY 21 Wine Country at 561 Broadway, Sonoma, or can be picked up.
- Reminder: No pets are allowed on the track. No wheels on the track with the exception of wheelchairs strollers or wagons. Every Relay for Life is a tobacco and alcohol free event.
- To contribute in any way contact:
Felice Torri: [email protected] 707-481-6781
Golly G Mc Ginty: [email protected] 707-321-3290
