More than 500 residents will run, walk and honor those who have
suffered from cancer this weekend as Gilroy hosts its annual Relay
for Life at Christmas Hill Park.
&
amp;#8232;Organizers raised $143,000 for the American Cancer
Society at last year’s event, and they hope to break the $150,000
mark this year while attracting at least 1,000 people.
More than 500 residents will run, walk and honor those who have suffered from cancer this weekend as Gilroy hosts its annual Relay for Life at Christmas Hill Park.
Organizers raised $143,000 for the American Cancer Society at last year’s event, and they hope to break the $150,000 mark this year while attracting at least 1,000 people.
“We’d like all of Gilroy to show up,” event chair Rosie Altamirano said.
Fifty-four teams had signed up to participate in this year’s event as of Wednesday, according to the Gilroy event’s Web site, and volunteers already had raised more than $64,000.
Participants will be sponsored to walk or run during the 24-hour event, while having the chance to listen to live music and entertainment. Each team’s booth in this year’s relay will have a birthday theme to honor survivors who continue to celebrate birthdays year after year.
The event will kick off Friday evening with an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. followed by an initial lap taken by cancer survivors.
Organizers will display special luminarias – candles placed in bags with inspiring messages in honor of loved ones – during an event at 9:30 p.m. Friday.
Gloria MacVicar, the “Fight Back Queen” who is battling cancer for the fourth time, will speak, and her granddaughter will sing a song, Altamirano said. In addition, Kathy Tombs Kingston and her daughter, Kassidy, will sing during the ceremony. This will be followed by bagpipe music and a silent walk. Â
“I like it because it’s that momentary reflection,” Altamirano said of the luminaria ceremony. “There are all the emotions that come up with the one you love.”
Altamirano’s mother is a breast cancer survivor, and Altamirano said this year’s event particularly hits home as she will find out whether she has cancer shortly after the event.
Despite the heavy subject matter, not all will be somber this weekend. For instance, the relay will include a Miss Relay contest in which men will dress up as women. It also will include lots of children’s activities, including a free kids camp with story times and face painting.
A few businesses and teams also have had fundraisers in anticipation of this weekend’s event. For instance, Strandz Hair Salon gave people purple hair extensions for a suggested $10 donation, and the South Valley Angels team hosted a rummage sale at South Valley National Bank.
“I love the support of Gilroy,” Altamirano said.
Relay for Life
Where: Christmas Hill Park, ranch side, 7049 Miller Ave.
When:
-6 p.m. Friday to 5:30 p.m. Saturday
-Opening Ceremony: 6 p.m. Friday
-Survivors Lap: 6:30 p.m. Friday
-Luminaria Ceremony: 9:30 p.m. Friday
-Fight Back/Closing Ceremony: 5:30 p.m. Saturday
