This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Benicia Relay for Life Raises Money to Fight Cancer

Relay participants celebrate, remember, fight back and offer hope.

If you were wondering what all the purple ribbons on First Street are about, it's for the Relay for Life (RFL) event this Saturday, May 21, 2011 at the high school. Relay for Life is a national fund raising organization that raises money for the American Cancer Society. Hundreds of relays are held nationally each year.

This is Benicia's third year hosting the relay at the Benicia High School track. The Children's Choir will open the event on Saturday at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Survivor's Lap. The relay itself lasts a grueling 24 hours to represent the fact that cancer never sleeps. Team members will take turns running the relay from 9:00 a.m. Saturday until 9:00 a.m. Sunday.

At the heart of the event, is the the luminaria ceremony. Dozens of bags will be set aglow from within, each with the name of a loved one who has fought cancer. For those who have lost their battle, family and friends attend to continue the fight in their honor. The ceremony takes place on Saturday at 8:30 pm.

Find out what's happening in Beniciawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The event is 100 percent community driven with over 350 runners running in 39 teams. Each team made up of one to fifteen participants. Teams are organized by community groups, civic groups, businesses and individual members of the community.

Of the teams, currently leads the pack with $5,270 raised so far, followed by The Plumbers, the team from that has raised $3,925. Not far behind is the team with $3,200 raised. Other teams include the , (with 5 teams), , and ReMax led by Veronica Wardlaw.

Find out what's happening in Beniciawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Individual participants are also making waves. City Attorney Heather McLaughlin is the front-runner with $1,125 raised, chased by Diane Henry and Lynne Price at $1,000 each. Anyone can sponsor a runner or team on the Relay for Life website.

Nancy Martinez of is co-chairing the event with Helaine Bowles, from the Benicia Library. “I am very excited. We painted the town purple, with purple ribbons,” said Martinez. Patty Gavin and Bonnie Silviera round out the event committee.

As of midnight Thursday, May 19, over $29,000 has been raised. Benicians are welcome to show their support. “Anyone can participate financially, or just lend emotional support at the event,” said Martinez as she made preparations for this weekend's event. 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Benicia