Philip Burroughs, Founder of Used Car Factory, on Relay For Life

I am a heavy proponent of the American Cancer Society and all that the organization does. One of its
largest fundraising efforts is the Relay For Life. For those that do not
know, the Relay For Life is an annual fundraising event for the
American Cancer Society. Although the event is held by the American
Cancer Society, the relay has gone global. According to the ACS’
official website for the relay, over 5,200 communities in 27 countries
contribute their time and efforts to the relay. The relay itself can
last anywhere from 6-24 hours, and each team participating in the event
is instructed to have at least one member on the designated track at all
times, in order to symbolize the never ending battle that cancer
patients must face daily.

Throughout its 31 year history, the Relay For Life has had 3.5 million members, and has managed to accrue a
whopping $5 billion.

How Did it All Start?

In 1985, Dr. Gordon Klatt, in an
effort to help the American Cancer Society raise money, walked and ran
for 24 hours straight on a track in Washington. After all was said and
done, Klatt, through the contributions of spectators and friends, had
raised $27,000 for the ACS. Little did Dr. Klatt know that he would be
starting a worldwide phenomenon. The first official Relay For Life was
held the following year at the Stadium Bowl and went on to raise
$33,000.

The Relay For Life is incredibly important to me, and millions of other people the world over. Cancer is a
terrible disease, and no person should have to go through what cancer
patients do. While a full-blown cure has not yet been discovered, and we
have no clue if or when we will find one, we must not give up hope. By
contributing to the Relay For Life, or any cancer research fundraising
event, you are helping our collective society find a cure.

If you are interested in participating in the Relay For Life or even interested in donating, visit the American Cancer Society’s official website and find the next event near you!

About Philip Burroughs

Philip Burroughs is a dedicated and experienced executive-level professional working in both the automotive and real estate industries. Although he takes his career and work incredibly seriously, Philip Burroughs likes to spend his free time working in various philanthropic endeavors. Philip Burroughs has worked extensively with a multitude of charities and organizations, including Relay For Life, Special Olympics and the Essex Churches Together.