Friday night we participated in Relay for Life in Lake Park.

Relay for Life started in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, WA ran and walked for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Since then it has grown in his community and has reached tons of hearts in other communities. We walk up to 24 hours (Lake Park's event was 18 hours) and ask friends, family members, and other community members to sponsor different teams in order to raise money for cancer research for the American Cancer Society. I love the fact that we walk to celebrate those who have battled cancer, remember those who have lost, and fight back against the disease.

I'm even more excited to get the girls involved in fundraising events at this age, so that reaching out to help their community will always be a part of who they are.

Here are some pictures from the event.

Getting ready for Relay...
Team Kelly campsite...I did not have a team this year, but since I was a committee member, one of the fellow committee members adopted me on her team. Bev Kelly lost her husband to Lung Cancer last year (3 months before the first Relay for Life for Lake Park).

This year's event had a Disney theme and Team Kelly's campsite was based on the Toy Story movies.

Barrel of Monkeys

"Ready to Play" Banner

Collage of Don Kelly (Bev's husband)

Building blocks "Team"

Building blocks "Kelly"

I was told last year's event was awesome, except they didn't have any place that the kids could play, and so when they switched venues...that was top on the list of must-haves. Lake Shore Park had it ALL! It was an awesome location with two playgrounds (one for 2-5 year olds, and one for 5-8 year olds). Also, it overlooked the ocean--so we had a nice breeze the entire night.

Opening Ceremony

Scientists for a Cure had 101 Dalmatian theme

Survivor Lap to begin the Relay

Kid Activities...making goo

Decorating our Luminaria bags

I am so sad that this came out blurry...each Luminaria Bag was lit at nightfall. Timber Trace Elementary school was not able to participate in the actual event, but we made them honorary members because they decorated bags for us. These bags decorated the track, as well as we were able to spell out the word "HOPE" with the bags. It was an extremely powerful view.

Gotta have a family picture!

Youngest walker at the event...she made a whole lap walking beside me without assistance! I was very proud and can't wait to remind her in the years to come.