It’s been hailed as one of the best fundraising events in East Boston that shows the neighborhood and its residents at their best.
On Friday, June 15 at 6 p.m. the 4th Annual Relay for Life will kickoff at East Boston Memorial Stadium. The overnight event will feature teams from Eastie and Winthrop that will spend the night walking the track at the Stadium to raise money for cancer.
Like years past, the event will also honor cancer survivors and remember those who lost their battle to the disease.
“We have had wonderful support from the community each year, “ says this year’s co-chair Tiffany LaCascia. “We are anticipating our biggest and best year yet, but are still hoping more residents will get involved over the next few days.”
Since the event started in Eastie in 2009, revenue has almost tripled and the number of survivors participating has doubled. Local businesses across Eastie and Winthrop are showing their support by contributing as sponsors and forming teams.
“The community has come to know who we are,” says American Cancer Society staff member, Matt Blom. “It’s amazing to see how far we have come.”
This year, the goal for the event is $70,000. Approximately 27 teams have registered so far with the leading teams already raising over $3,000 each.
The event, held from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. with participants camping out in tents around the track, gives everyone the opportunity to celebrate the survivors in their lives, remember those they have lost to cancer, and do their part in fighting back against the disease.
The survivors kickoff the first lap and are invited to a special survivor reception immediately following.
Then there is the extremely moving “Luminaria Ceremony” at 9 p.m. where candlelit bags that have been decorated in memory of someone who lost their battle to cancer are placed around the track as all participants take a silent lap.
“At the very least, we would love all residents to take part in the Luminaria ceremony, “ says LaCascia. “It is what Relay is all about.”
The night is also a celebration. There will be face painting, dance performances, entertainment, theme laps and much more. There will be fun activities for people of all ages. To register, make a donation, or more details, visit www.eastbostonrelay.org.