Cross-dresser shakedowns, a purple potty prison and bra rentals might seem like unorthodox ways to stand up to a disease that claims the lives of 7.6 million people each year worldwide, but coupled with traditional fundraising methods, these tactics raised approximately $80,277 for cancer research thanks to Gilroy’s annual Relay For Life.
In the name of fighting cancer and remembering those who lost their lives doing so, more than 350 people flooded Christmas Hill Park Saturday and Sunday for the spirited 24-hour event that included live entertainment, arts, crafts, competitions and group activities such as Zumba and dodge ball.
“We’ve made so much progress this year with publicity and the ‘Paint the Town Purple’ initiative,” said Manuel Haro, online chairperson for Gilroy’s Relay For Life, which has generated $1.8 million for cancer research since it kicked off in the Garlic Capital 15 years ago. “Overall, everyone enjoyed the event because it brings the community together and creates a positive time when life can be negative.”
Relay For Life is an event that takes place around the globe and claims to be “the largest movement to end the disease,” according to the organization. Teams of people camp out at a local high school, park or fairground, then take turns walking or running around a track or path. Signifying the fact “cancer never sleeps,” relays are overnight, last 24 hours and require each team to have a representative on the track at all times during the event, according to the organization.
With more donations expected through the Aug. 31 cut-off date, Haro said last weekend’s event continued Gilroy’s trend of generous giving and was a success, despite a theft Saturday afternoon that left organizers several hundred dollars short. Haro said the Relay For Life jug – which was last seen near the sound booth – was stolen. The jug was designated for general donations to the organization. Inside was upwards of $500.
But Haro added: The theft didn’t dampen the spirit of giving. Members graciously continued fundraising to try and make up for what was taken.
“It was unfortunate that the money was stolen but we have already taken the steps to prevent such things from happening,” said Haro, who says a police investigation has not been filed yet and the organization is still in the midst of conducting its own internal investigation and security analysis. “Several online donors have helped reconcile the issue and have donated money towards a new Relay For Life jug.”
For those who have never participated in the event – which last year raised $523.6 million dollars and has approximately four million participants annually – Relay For Life is an energetic convergence of people marked by camaraderie, reflection and positive determination. While the tone is predominately fun and relaxed, the Relay is also a time for participants to support, celebrate and remember those who lost their lives to the disease, those still fighting it and those who overcame it.
That includes Gloria MacVicar, 56, a six-time cancer survivor and 11-year Relay For Life veteran, who along with her husband Norm formerly ran California Silk Screening on Welburn Street in Gilroy for nearly 30 years. At the urging of her doctors, Gloria – who along with her family has participated in Relay For Live since she was diagnosed – decided in February it was time to retire and focus on healing.
Having fought brain cancer twice, as well as bone, breast, lung and kidney cancer, MacVicar understands the day-to-day fight and realities of how it affects a person’s life. Her upcoming kidney cancer surgery prevented MacVicar from setting up a team as she has done in previous years, but that didn’t stop her from staying involved in an “important” event for the community.
“Everyone has had some connection to cancer. They’re friends, family or caregivers of someone with cancer or they have had cancer,” she said. “The money raised here has helped support cancer research and cancer treatment has improved dramatically since 11 years ago.”
A significant portion of funds raised by Relay For Life is generated by the teams – there were 42 in Gilroy this year – who sell baked goods, have activities such as laser tag and rock climbing and raffle off items. Individual donors often give to teams based on number of laps completed or a flat rate for their involvement. Gilroy’s Relay for Life committee awards teams for various feats such as having the best campsite and being the most spirited.
Participants such as Lisa Perez, 48, often start teams to honor lost loved ones. Perez is leader of the Perez Fighters team, founded in remembrance of Perez’s two sisters-in-law who died from breast cancer.
Setting up shop in a pink tent, Perez Fighters sold baked goods and raffled off items to raise money. In total, they banked $8,829 for cancer research.
“Relay For Life is a good way for the community to get together and have a great time,” Perez said. “It also gives people a place to mourn through their loss and pain.”
One of Saturday’s headline events was “Miss Relay,” where young men slipped into wigs, bras, jewelry and feminine digs as they were judged on their dancing, interview and fundraising skills. Pageant contestants were given 15 minutes to shakedown audience members for money or find creative ways to garner donations, such as getting dunked in the dunk tank. The seven Miss Relay hopefuls raised more than $750 dollars. Alfonzo Basurto and Levi Basurto, 11, the duo from team South County Crossfit of Gilroy, raised $280 and were declared “Miss Relay.”
Other groups found unique ways to terrorize their teammates and friends by donating two dollars and imprisoning them on the “Purple Potty,” a purple toilet positioned next to the relay path. Those incarcerated had to pay their $5 bail or beg passersby for money. The Purple Potty raised more than $500 and is used at several local Relay For Life events including the one in Los Banos, which took place June 1.
As Saturday came to an end, Girl Scouts placed decorated luminaria, or paper lanterns, around the walking path to honor those who are battling or have succumbed to cancer. The luminaria were crafted by friends or family of cancer victims or were made by Girl Scouts.
The glowing lanterns lit the way for Relay walkers through the night and up until closing ceremonies at 9 a.m. Sunday. According the organization, the closing ceremony provides a time to celebrate life, remember the lost and to inspire the community to fight back against the disease.
“Relay For Life is great for the community and people affected by cancer,” Haro said. “This year was a success, a lot of people are excited and plan to start their own team for next year.”
