WATSONVILLE — Relay For Life of Watsonville will return for its 17th year this weekend at Watsonville High School.
Relay for Life is a fundraiser for the The American Cancer Society (ACS), which battles cancer on fronts. Funds raised from Relay For Life events allow the ACS to attack cancer in dozens of ways, each of them critical to achieving a world without cancer – from developing breakthrough therapies and innovative research, to building supportive communities that come together to help those affected by cancer with access to treatment.
Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Washington, in 1985, the Relay For Life movement of 3.5 million participants across the world unite at more than 4,500 events to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost and take action for lifesaving change.
In 1985, Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around the track at the University of Puget Sound to raise money for the ACS. He tallied 83.6 miles and raised $27,000 through pledges. Keeping with Klatt’s example and symbolizing the battle waged around the clock by those facing cancer, the event can last up to 24 hours and empowers communities to take a stand against cancer.
Relay For Life events in the U.S. have raised more than $6.3 billion.
Relay For Life of Watsonville last year raised $115,207, and has totaled roughly $1.4 million over its 17-year run.
“I think that it’s important that the community knows it has made an impact over the years,” said Jessica Ruiz, senior community development manager for the American Cancer Society.
Relay for Life of Watsonville has raised more than $50,000 heading into the weekend’s 24-hour long fundraiser, which begins Saturday at 9 a.m.
The Relay For Life of Watsonville is supported by many local businesses and organizations. This year’s sponsors include: Monterey Mushrooms, Pajaronian, Perishable Merchandising Whole Foods, California Giant, Baker Bros. Bay Federal Credit Union, RDO among others.
For information visit RelayForLife.org or relayforlife.org/watsonvilleca.
•••
Event schedule
JULY 13
Celebrate | Opening Ceremony | 9 a.m.
• Non-denominational message:Pastor Alan Barnes FBC
• Flag Bearers | Troop 515
• Pledge of Allegiance | Troop 515
• National Anthem | Jennifer Alvarez
• Dove Release Ceremony | Rita Pina
• Survivor & Caregiver Lap
Remember | Luminaria Ceremony | 9 p.m.
• Ceremony | Debra Serrano—Marcus Serrano
• Silent Lap
• Bagpipe Player | Paul Llewenyn
JULY 14
Closing Ceremony | 9 a.m.
• Closing Remarks | Esther Morillo/Barbie Gomez
• Last Lap
•••
Entertainment lineup
JULY 13
• 10-11 a.m.: Grad Nite
• 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Mike PZ Trio
• 12:15-12:30 p.m.: Jess Ceballos Sr.
• 12:30-1:30 p.m.: The Recurrents
• 1:30-2 p.m.: Grupo Folklorico Raíces Mestizas
• 2-2:45 p.m.: A.M.P
• 2:45-3 p.m.: Ladies of Mehana Dance Group
• 3-3:45 p.m.: Saturday Band
• 3:45-4 p.m.: La Danza De Viejitos Más Viejitos De Michocan
• 4-5 p.m.: Next Blues Band
• 5-5:30 p.m.: Zumba
• 5:30-6 p.m.: Alley Catz
• 6:30-7:30 p.m.: The Vinny Johnson Band
• 9-9:30 p.m.: Luminaria Ceremony
