BERKELEY – The Relay for Life of Berkeley-Lacey was held recently at Veterans Park in Berkeley to raise money for the American Cancer Society. It kicked off at 2 p.m. and concluded at 6 a.m.
Coming after a very hot spell, that Saturday was actually overcast and a bit windy. The cool weather helped out the walkers who were taking to the field to raise money.
A path was marked off with signs around Veterans Park in front of the bandshell. On the outskirts of the event, there were booths selling toys, games, and raffle prizes. Many of the booths were selling food. They all seemed to be selling them for a particular team.
Event coordinator Roxanne Stephens said that the event is not just for those who were lost, but those who are fighting right now, and those who can learn to prevent cancer and get tested to spot it in the earliest stages.
She detailed some of the research that the fundraising is going toward, including learning how cancer cells work. The funding is also going toward education, to have people screened early while the disease is most curable. The funding also helps offer immediate care, providing wigs, support groups, and rides to treatment.
After the event, Berkeley Mayor Carmen Amato said that there were 35 teams in the event.
Shawn Triggs, community manager for the American Cancer Society, said that $52,000 was raised at the event, but teams are still fundraising.
