This year’s Relay for Life of Turlock raised $169.841.41 as of May 3rd at 8:30am.
Turlock’s Relay for Life committee was lead by Event Co-Chairs Kristin Bettencourt and Michele VanNieuwenhuyzen.
The event was slightly hampered by a little wet weather, mostly from the day before the event. The track was flooded and muddy, forcing the walkers to take their laps inside the track on the football field.
The event carried on as some of the water was pumped out, a new lap track was designated, and weather cleared up by the start time of the actual event.
With all the fundraising and fun going on, people seemed to have enjoyed the event.
Stephanie Telles reported that 132 people enrolled for the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (during a limited time).
The most emotional and inspirational part of the event remained to be the Luminaria Ceremony held at night fall. Many candle lit bags lined the track as to pay tribute to those who have battled cancer, whether they have lived to tell their stories or have lost their lives to the disease.
71 teams participated in the 24 hour event fighting back against Cancer held at Turlock High School’s Joe Debely Stadium. Thousands of people came out to the event.
Newly added Whacky Awards were given out this year:
Most Spirited Rookie Team – Pitman High School
The neatest, cleanest camp site – Raley’s and Tri-Counties Bank
The messiest camp site – Newly Weds Foods
Best Bed Head Hair – Allen from Hunting for a Cure
Most Congenial – Peace, Love and A Cure
The top fundraisers were announced as:
Top Individual Fundraiser – Brooke Thompson of Mimi’s All-Stars
Top Online Fundraising Team – Hilmar Cheese
Top Total Fundraising Team – Hunting for a Cure with $17,626.49
Most Spirited Team – Hilmar Cheese
Top Onsite Fundraising Team – Mimi’s All-Stars with $1,495
The co-chairs announced at the end of the event that sponsorships were doubled from last year despite the economy.
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