At a time when most non-profit organizations are struggling
through a dismal economy, Hollister’s Relay for Life walked through
the night at a record pace.
The fifth annual Relay For Life cancer fund-raiser, held Friday
and Saturday at San Benito High School, raised more than $150,000,
surpassing the slated goal by more than $20,000, organizers
said.
At a time when most non-profit organizations are struggling through a dismal economy, Hollister’s Relay for Life walked through the night at a record pace.
The fifth annual Relay For Life cancer fund-raiser, held Friday and Saturday at San Benito High School, raised more than $150,000, surpassing the slated goal by more than $20,000, organizers said.
And funds were not the only extraordinary aspect of this year’s event. Attendance was also larger than ever, according to event chairwoman Mary Nelson.
Organizers said the benefit to raise money for cancer treatment and prevention brings the community together to fight the “ugly disease.”
“Relay is good community service and it helps so many people,” said 15-year-old Bailey Brown of the Ausaymus 4-H team.
“I like the relay because it’s fun to hang out with my friends and family,” added Brown’s sister, Blair Brown.
The event, typically held in July, was moved to August this year. One walker said the change was suitable because August is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“My sister and I have personally been touched by cancer and although neither were fatal, it was nerve-wracking,” said logistics chairman Chuck Obeso-Bradley. “It’s great to know that an event like this is taking place in your own community.”
The grandstands had filled before the event kicked off on Friday, then four skydivers from Adventure Skydiving Center circled the area and landed, one by one, at Andy Hardin Stadium. The second-to-last skydiver descended through the goal posts before landing. The fourth-and-final diver carried a Relay for Life banner.
“Cancer takes no preference. It takes old and young, black and white, mothers and fathers,” said Dean Hallberg, who served as master of ceremonies.
Survivors joined to walk the first lap of the 24-hour event. That “survivor lap” consisted of people from every generation who have battled cancer. All of them were given an honorary purple shirt and a gold medallion to wear throughout the event.
White doves were released as the survivors made their way around the track, and the Galaxy All-star Cheerleaders encouraged the walkers. The torchbearer was 24-hour walker Richard Roma.
“Personally, my reason to relay is because of my experience with cancer,” said Margaret Jones, a participant who was diagnosed with breast cancer. “It has been a part of my life for too long.”
At 9 p.m. on Friday, the stadium lights were shut off for the Luminary Ceremony, and 1,772 candles were lit. On the home side of the field, in the bleachers, the glowing reminders spelled out “Hope and Cure.” And Bagpiper Rob Boyd played “Amazing Grace” as he led the emotional group around the candle-lit track under the moonlight.
Closing ceremonies took place at 4 p.m. on Saturday. The final lap was walked and team awards were announced. Also, San Benito High School was honored with a plaque for being the host.
This was Neva Neal’s fourth year participating. She has had cancer three times, all different types. In 1980, she was diagnosed with melanoma, in 1990, she was diagnosed with lymphoma and in 1995 she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Asked her reason for continually participating in the Relay For Life event – “Living,” she said.
