Barstow, MD – “We have a lot to celebrate,” declared Kristen Gray of the 2017 Calvert Relay for Life Event Committee. The annual festival to raise funds for the American Cancer Society was held Saturday, June 17 at the Calvert County Fairgrounds. The nine-hour relay started at 2 p.m. with the “Survivor Victory Lap. Prior to that, cancer survivors—some marking a few months since their diagnosis—along with their caregivers, were feted at a “celebration luncheon” at the fairgrounds hall.
“Survivors define courage and inspire those facing a cancer diagnosis,” the event committee stated in their detailed activity agenda. “Their strength is honored with each step they take around the first lap. Caring for others is such a selfless act, which is why we honor caregivers also. They often walk with the person they supported.”
Fun activities held during the Relay included a lip sync battle, a classic car show and musical entertainment. On the more sobering side was the Luminaria Ceremony, held after dusk. Each luminaria bag represented someone lost to cancer.
“This is a place to rejoice and celebrate together,” said Gray. “With each step you take you are helping the American Cancer Society save lives.”
To add to the festivities, this year’s Relay included food trucks, local wineries, local breweries, a moonbounce a a dunk tank.
As of Tuesday, June 20, the 2017 Calvert County Relay for Life had raised over $111,870 for the American Cancer Society. The top fundraising Relay team is The Survivors, with over $18,283 raised. The top individual fundraiser is Linda Hoffman, with over $7,600 raised. The top company fundraiser is Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa, which has raised approximately $5,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
