Forty-four teams raised an all-time high $110,000 during American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Gilroy held June 21 at Christmas Hill Park.
A recent string of copper thefts that impacted lighting at the park wouldn’t de-illuminate community spirit as the change turned out to be a positive in disguise after activities were re-positioned much to the praise of participants, organizers said.
“Not a dry eye in the place,” said event co-chair Lisa Perez, of closing ceremonies that paired cancer survivors and caregivers with messages of thanks. “The impact that Relay For Life gives people is huge, that they are not alone and have the support of the community.”
A total of 400 to 700 participants paid tribute to survivors and honored the memory of friends and loved ones in a celebration of life during the ongoing fight against cancer, in addition to topping last year’s $85,000 fundraising milestone. A total of 321 registered participants and 44 teams partook in the festivities this year.
Perez, a caregiver and the soon-to-be event chairwoman of the event, said Relay for Life in Gilroy continues striving toward its $200,000 fundraising goal.
“It just gets bigger every year,” Perez said.
Chairman Manuel Haro said the event was a huge success with a fantastic time had by all with the introduction of activities and bands including the wildly popular box car race involving a Flintstones-style cardboard box race to the finale.
Organizers said they received praise this year from participants pleased with the re-configured setup, which happened to be prompted by the copper thefts. For those who formed a new team, joining an existing team, registered as a survivor or became a sponsor, the same Relay spirit that’s propelled the event to soaring heights stayed true this year.
“It really turned out to be a unique year,” Haro said.
