• Relay For Life 2017

This was a well covered event on Facebook, so I'll just share the stats and a couple of pictures.

Relay For Life is a 24 hour event, starting Saturday morning and finishing up Sunday morning. The goal is to raise money for cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

The opening ceremonies began after a breakfast provided by Annie's of Lake Elsinore. Lake Elsinore mayor Bob Magee said a few short words about the event, followed by Wildomar mayor Tim Walker (a cancer survivor himself).

Also on the stage were Wildomar council members Bridgette Moore a and Ben Benoit (serving as mayor pro-tem this year) and Lake Elsinore council member Steve Manos. 

Moore and Benoit each spoke about "why they relay" and that they've each had family members lost to the disease. Both lost their fathers to pancreatic cancer at the young age of 64 years old.

Wildomar Mayor Tim Walker helps kick of the event during the opening ceremonies.

This year's event was at Elsinore High School, and had 26 teams that raised $22,164.81.

So much went on during the day and evening, with various contests and special laps, that there was never a dull moment.

Luminaria sample.

Once the sun set there was what is known as a Luminaria ceremony with a slide show of people that have either lost their battle with cancer, are still fighting it, or have been declared cancer free.

From there, the stadium lights were turned off and the track was lit by decorated white lunch bags with battery operated votive candles, known as Luminaria.

The bleachers were adorned with Luminaria.
One side spelled out hope, the other was in the shape of a heart.

The participants then took a lap in the dark, with the only light coming from the Luminaria encircling the track, while a bagpiper played Amazing Grace.

Top three fundraising teams were Withrow Wildcats raised $3660, second place team was Wildomar Walkers $3079 and third place was Bob and Pat's Posse $3021.

Doug and Molly Ames, of Wildomar Walkers, on the last lap of the event.

Of all the pictures that were taken, the following was my favorite unpossed picture. The local elected officials on stage as they were waiting for the ceremonies to begin.

Left to right: W Mayor Tim Walker, W Councilmember Bridgette Moore, W Mayor Pro-Tem Ben Benoit, LE Councilmember Steve Manos and LE Mayor Bob Magee.

Chrissy Rohlmeier has been the event's leader for the past three years, but is now stepping down. The event is looking for a new leader to step up. 

Hope to see you next year, and if you'd like to be part of the event as either a walker, or sponsor please contact Community Manager of Relay For Life, Joanne Pann-Kydd at 951.775.7957. 

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The only service a friend can really render is to keep up your courage by holding up to you a mirror in which you can see a noble image of yourself.

– George Bernard Shaw 1856-1950

Wildomar Rap tip of the day: If you don't like what you see in the mirror you can either work to change the image or just smear Vaseline all over it.