Red Bank Regional Runs Relay For Life

It was rain or shine. The people who showed up were shining.  Relay For Life is the largest fundraiser in the world.  On Friday afternoon the football stadium at Red Bank Regional High School in Little Silver was transformed into a celebration of life with tents, signs and colored balloons to honor the memory of those who lost their battle against cancer and to celebrate cancer survivors.

At 4 p.m., the skies opened up and it poured, the forecast was for clearing by 7 p.m., which did happen. Everyone was a little soggy but the weather didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirits.  There were quite a few smiles to be found in the crowd.

Participants were encouraged to raise $100 each, among the top five online fundraisers were, Veronica Cozzi, Seena Goldman, John Francisco, Eric Mercandante and Meg Loftus.  The top three online fundraising teams were, Cozzi’s Crab Shack, Shannon’s Shore Things and the Order of the White Lotus.

There was music, games and food.  McLoone's Family of Restaurants catered a dinner for survivors and a guest.  At 7 p.m. the event was officially kicked off with an opening ceremony and survivor ceremony, where teams, donors and cancer survivors were recognized.  Students performed original music on the stage.  There was a bouncy tent to keep little ones and some big ones entertained.

Luminaries lined the track as the night grew dark.  The Luminaria ceremony is a chance to remember someone special who lost a battle against cancer.  On the bleachers in the stadium luminaries spelled out HOPE!

To learn more about the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life go to www.RelayForLife.org/TwoRiversNJ