FMB Relay For Life to fundraise Saturday
It’s time again to walk off cancer! Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.
The 2015 Fort Myers Beach Relay For Life event is set to benefit the American Cancer Society at DiamondHead Beach Resort & Spa this Saturday, April 11, from noon to 9 p.m. SunStream Hotels & Resorts is excited to announce the event location for the fifth consecutive year.
The Fort Myers Beach Relay for Life works in conjunction with other local Relay events for the common cause of ACS fundraising. The Beach Relay event is a unique one due to the symbolic “track” involves participants taking turns running or walking indirectly on the sand with the Gulf of Mexico as a beautiful backdrop.
Twelve teams have signed up as of Thursday last week for the Beach event, which will end just past sunset instead of continuing on until sunrise the next day. The change of format is to complement the other larger community events that will follow the traditional overnight format.
Team Chapel by the Sea is one of the top fundraisers for this year’s island event. Organizers were asked how important Relay for Life is to fight cancer?
“It’s huge! Relay is ACS’ single largest fundraiser,” said Team Chapel by the Sea’s Kim Dewitt. “Even more, it brings survivors & caregivers together.”
Beach Kiwanis member Eric Tibbs has recruited his K-Kids to take part in the 2015 Relay.
“The kids are super excited about it. They have set up a goal of raising $3,000, and are going to start selling feet (pendants) that say ‘Relay for Life’ on them to raise money at the school next week,” he said. “We also have projects on the sand to raise money as well. The Kiwanis have stepped up to do a $1,000 sponsorship. Melanie and I have pitched in $100, and I have challenged all the Kiwanians in the club to match that.”
Tibbs believes the change in format will benefit everybody. Not all teams stay the night, especially teams with older participants.
“It left a burden on all the staff, and there is no real money raised over night,” he said. “Most of the money is usually raised before Relay.”
The theme for the 2015 Fort Myers Beach Relay for Life event is “I Can Survive,” inspired by the 1970’s funk musical era. Join in on the special, all-day event dedicated towards raising money and awareness for a cure!
Many have been affected by cancer in some way, whether it was a battle of one’s self or watching a loved one struggle with this life-threatening disease. According to American Cancer Society research, there will be an estimated 1,658,370 new cancer cases diagnosed and 589,430 deaths from cancer in the U.S. in 2015. Together, we can fight this overwhelming statistic, work toward a cure, and celebrate more birthdays.
The Fort Myers Beach Relay for Life will begin with a Survivor lap, followed by a lap with caregivers joining in, followed by a luncheon to honor Survivors. The day will be filled with live music, dancing, and activities on the beach. The event will end with a Luminaria candle ceremony at sunset, where attendees will honor and celebrate the lives of survivors and remember those lost to cancer.
Fox 4 Rising anchors Kelly Dame and Miriam Zamorano will join Relay For Life teams and attendees to kickoff the event.
The 2015 Fort Myers Beach Relay for Life fundraising goal is $90,000. Donations are highly encouraged to help reach this goal. Money raised is used to fund cancer research, accommodations and transportation for cancer patients and their caregivers, and several other programs to help those suffering from this disease.
According to the ACS website, The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, to remember loved ones lost and to take action to finish the fight once and for all. Today, with the support of thousands of volunteers like you, the American Cancer Society is helping save more than 400 lives a day.
Go to www.cancer.org to learn more.