Relay For Life Mission Viejo Raises More Than $155,000 in the Fight Against Cancer

The annual American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life Mission Viejo was held at Saddleback College on June 4, 2016. Relay For Life is non-competitive event where teams composed of family, friends, coworkers and the community take turns walking and running the track to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer.

The weekend kicked off with opening ceremonies featuring Guest Speaker, Mission Viejo Mayor, Frank Ury and past Rotary President, Paul Bucknum singing the National Anthem.

The Survivor and Caregiver laps followed, led by Mission Viejo High School Drumline. Emcee and Comedian, Ron Ruhman kept the event moving with laughter and humor.

Forty-four teams raised more than $155,000 and enjoyed a block, party-like atmosphere with games, entertainment, food and much more. Some of the games included an Auto Show competition of homemade cars that are used to create awareness for the “Road to Recovery” program.

The 1st place Auto winner went to Team “Fraja” for their train with six cars made by preschoolers and 2nd place to Team “Reach For the Stars” for their covered wagon.

The day was packed with entertainment, a kid’s zone, themed laps, free movies,

a silent auction, Zumba and more. Some of the themed laps were “Look Good Feel Better,” “So You Think You are a Country-Western Celebrity,” “I am a Little Bit Country,” “Crazy Hat Lap” and “It’s PJ Time.”

“Look Good Feel Better” promoted the ACS free, patient service program. Participants wore wigs, scarves, belts and accessories. Some of the men joined in wearing dresses at the themed laps. Members of Judy Angel’s chose to dress as Dolly Parton through the years.

Rocking the relayers were local bands- Hunting Waldo, Static Electricians and All Night Meat Bingo Rock Band, just to name a few. Throughout the day relayers walked thousands of laps of hope, remembrance and celebration. They received many free give-aways- beanies, blankets, Orange County Fair tickets, hats, shirts and more.

At 9 pm, the Luminaria ceremony where candles are lit in honor of loved ones lost and in support of those who are fighting cancer took place. Music was provided by Pianist, Linda Eldridge; Trumpeter, Samantha Ray and Guitarist/singer, Mya Shimizu.

Casta del Sol Chorale led by Linda Waterman and Coordinator, Sara Henniger sang “You Never Walk Alone” and “Climb Every Mountain.” Twelve of the 26 singers are cancer survivors, according to Jerry Silverstein, Co-Chair Luminaria.

Carole Weidler, guest speaker and cancer survivor spoke on what the “Luminaria ceremony means to me.”

Following the ceremony there was a lap around the track led by bagpiper, Steven Ricotta to Amazing Grace. Sunday morning concluded with a fight back ceremony.

The event was a huge success because of the many volunteers, entertainers, musicians and relayers. Sponsors: Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, City of mission Viejo, Chick fil a, Home Depot, Girls in the Garage, Marina Hills Animal Hospital, The OC Fairgrounds, Outback Steakhouse, Saddleback College, Waste Management and Vision Solutions lended support through their donations and contributions.

Cancer never sleeps and we will fight to end this disease that terrorizes each of us in some way or another. It’s never too late to donate. Fundraising continues until August 31, 2015.

For more information go to www.mvrelay.org, www.facebook.com/mvrelay or twitter @mv_RelayForLife.

If you have any questions, please call Margot Ferron, Marketing/Publicity Chair at 949/309-1235, gomargotgo@aol.com. Thank you for helping us celebrate more birthdays.