The second annual Luminaria Lighting Ceremony/2016 Relay for Life was held Wednesday evening, August 3 at the Village of Churchville Gazebo.
“Tonight is a time to celebrate, remember and give back,” said Laura Carlson, a community manager for the American Cancer Society who oversees the Relay for Life fundraisers locally. She called the Churchville event, “The most moving and poignant ceremony we have as part of Relay for Life.”
Members of the Churchville-Chili LEO Club decorate the luminaria bags (which are available for $5) and illuminate them (this year with glow sticks). Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
LEO Club advisor Marty Molinari said the Luminaria Ceremony has raised over $900. “The event was very successful,” Molinari said. “We had way more than before,” he noted of this year’s luminary bags. He said it is always moving to see the bags, many with names of those lost to cancer, and others with names of those who have beaten cancer or are currently fighting cancer.
Laura Carlson spoke to those attending while the luminaria were lit. She said the Relay for Life has raised $5 billion for cancer research since its beginning 30 years ago.
She noted that caregivers also go through their own cancer journey and continue to love and miss those for whom they cared. The luminaria help to express, “I loved this person and I still care,” Carlson said. The luminary bags, “represent those we love. You are here because you want to fight back,” she explained.
Funds raised for research mean that the end of cancer is near, Carlson told the Suburban News. “All the money raised goes to research.”
This year, Churchville joined with the Gates-Chili Relay for Life and Carlson said $43,000 was raised. Donations are still being accepted, and Carlson said those interested can go to www.relayforlife.org/gateschilihsny for more information and to donate.
The August 3 event began with a concert with “Just 4 Fun.” The Luminaria Ceremony began at 8:30 p.m.
