The Hollister Relay For Life has a new day and start time this year, one that will allow for a full 24-hour walk.
It happened after the American Cancer Society made the recommendation, said Kim Vera, a co-chair of the event.
"It is supposed to be a true 24 hours," said Vera.
In past years, the event started Friday afternoon, with an open ceremony at 5 p.m. and ended Saturday at noon. In this the 12th year, the event will start at 10 a.m. Saturday and end 10 a.m. Sunday, at the San Benito High School football stadium. Participating teams agree to have at least one team member walking on the track for the 24-hour event.
This year, 62 teams are registered and they raised $60,000 by July 22. The teams can raise more money at the event with games and other fundraisers. They also have until Aug. 15 to continue their efforts.
"It gives more time to have more entertainment and more fundraising, so we are actually really excited about it," Vera said. "I think it's beneficial for everyone. Friday when it started at 5, many people were just getting off work and just getting started with opening ceremonies."
There will be a main stage and a kids' stage. The entertainment starts after the opening ceremony and continues until midnight on Saturday. It includes bands, karaoke, a dance party and more.
"There will be tons of great entertainment to come out and bring the family even if you don't have a team involved - to come out and support the community," Vera said. "Absolutely, anybody can come by."
She added that the teams already have exceeded fundraising efforts from 2009.
"So many people have been affected and touched by cancer," she said. "It's not really one of those things people say 'no' to."
She said committee members are hoping to have more attendance at the event since it is on the weekend.
The theme for the 2010 Relay For Life is "Happy Birthday," which Vera says comes from an American Cancer Society promotion to find a cure so people can celebrate more birthdays.
"All the teams will be decorated in birthday themes and the opening ceremony will be a birthday theme as well," Vera said.
She also said the survivor lap, in which cancer survivors are invited to take one lap around the track, will have a special touch this year. Diana Magana, a high school student who was the beneficiary of San Benito High School's benefit ball this year and had cancer, will do the lap with her friends. The students will lead the crowd in the "Dancing for Diana," routine they created while fundraising during the school year.
In past years, Vera said 150 survivors have joined in the lap and people are welcome to register to participate at the event.
"We would love to have as many survivors as possible out there," she said.
Survivors get a free T-shirt, a lunch reception at noon on Saturday and raffle prizes.
Look for more in the Pinnacle on Friday.
Melissa Flores Melissa Flores is city editor for the Weekend Pinnacle.
POST A COMMENT
If you are under 13 years of age you may read this message board, but you may not participate.
Here are the full legal terms you agree to by using this comment form.
The Score: Baler football and boys and girls water polo
