It’s the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Mission Viejo’s 20th Anniversary! – Margot Ferron

In May 1985, Dr. Gordon Klatt from Washington walked and ran for 24 hours to raise more than $25,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight cancer.  The next year, he was joined by 340 supporters.  Since then, Relay For Life has become a worldwide event raising more than $4 billion to fight cancer.

Nine years later, Mission Viejo joined the fight with other communities in the Saddleback Valley Relay For Life held at Saddleback College.  In 1994, Linda Lindholm, currently Mayor for Laguna Niguel and State Senator Mimi Walters were the first Co-Event Chairs. 

Every year in Mission Viejo since 1994, an energetic, enthusiastic group of volunteers unite in their fight against cancer.    They rally, plan parties to celebrate survivors and remember loved ones that lost their battles.   All while raising money to fund programs to support neighbors, friends and loved ones through their fight with cancer.

This year Relay for Life/ Mission Viejo celebrates its 20th anniversary.  The city of Mission Viejo will be participating in American Cancer Society Relay for Life  on June 7 and 8, 2014 at Saddleback College track, 28000 Marguerite Pkwy, MV, 92691.

Relay for Life is a free, family-friendly, event celebrating cancer survivors and honoring those who have lost their lives.  The event attracts more than 1, 00 supporters who are strongly committed to the fight against cancer. They raise funds and take to the track in honor of loved ones affected by cancer. 

Relay For Life is a unique way for us to create a community enriched by a tapestry of people who want to know their neighbors and share their love by helping one another.  If you are battling cancer, remember you are not alone in your fight against cancer. Your community is here to support you.

Thanks for all the memories.   We hope to see you at one the track.

For more information or to register for the event go to www.mvrelay.org, www.facebook.com/mvrelay or twitter @mv_RelayForLife.

Relay For Life 2014 Event Schedule:

Fri., June 6  Campsite Set–up  Noon-7pm

Sat., June 7, 2014

7 am          Campsite Set–up

7:30 am     Registration opens

9 am         Opening Ceremonies- Emcee Ryan Belkin                                                National Anthem by Julianne Reames   creames@cox.net

Speakers:  Event Chair- Kat Minotta

Guest Speakers: 1994 Event Chair – State Senator Mimi Walters & Mission Viejo,

                             Mayor Trish Kelley.

Past Event Chairs - Margot Ferron, Amanda Bassett, Steve Bell, Renee Beach,

                                Denise Matson and Jeff Hill.

9:30 am     Ribbon cutting, Survivor/Caregiver Lap led by marching band.           

10 am        Hope Café – coffee by Starbucks, Bagels & Brew, Royal & Kings Donuts, &                  I Love Bagels.Hope Cafe is free to everyone. 

10:30 am   Kids Kamp Opens

10-10:45 am     Cappy's Garage Rock Band 

11:15 am          Singers Company 1    Kids dance/sing                                                        11:45 pm    

Noon                Silent Auction starts

12:15-1 pm       Bones West Brass Band 

1:30- 2:15 pm    Rock the Autism- Sean Juno

2:15 -2:45 pm     Mya Shimizu, singer/ukulele

3-4 pm              Minute It to Win It, Game Show 

4:30- 5:15 pm       Hunting Waldo/band      

5:30- 6 pm           Zumba For Life, zumba /dance  Donation

6 pm                 Kids Kamp Closes.

6:30-7:15 pm     All Night Meat Bingo Rock Band

7 pm                 Silent Auction Closes.

8-8:45 pm        Sharp Turn Ahead/teen band         

9-10 pm           Luminaria Ceremony, Lap around the track lead by Bagpiper, Cameron Macleod, to Amazing Grace   

11 pm            Movie— (rated G)

12:30 am      Movie –  (rated G)

2 am             Movie –   (rated G)

Sun., June 8

7 am               Mission Viejo Activities Committee Breakfast

8 am          Fight Back Lap                           

8:30 am          CLOSING CEREMONIES/FIGHT BACK