Relay for Life Fundraiser to Fight Cancer Coming to Venice

The American Cancer Society will hold its first ever Relay for Life in Venice and is seeking volunteers and teams for an overnight fundraiser in the fight against cancer.

“Relay For Life is an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as much as it is a fundraiser,” said Grant Francis, event chair and volunteer for the American Cancer Society in a statement. “Individuals who are willing to give their time and energy to this exciting event, as a volunteer or participant, have made a commitment to fight back against this disease and let the community know that you can beat cancer.”

Organizers have scheduled a meeting May 22 at the Venice Public Library to share information on the importance of the fundraiser, which celebrates survivors, remembers loved ones and raises money.

The Relay for Life in Venice will take place Saturday, June 9, at Venice High School and will go for 24-hours starting at 9 a.m. with an opening ceremony. There will be a survivor lap at 9:20 a.m., a luminaria ceremony to remember loved ones at 8 p.m. and a closing ceremony June 10 at 9 a.m.

Teams seek sponsorship before the relay and gather with tents and sleeping bags to participate in the largest fundraising walk in the nation.

The Venice Chamber of Commerce has formed a teach called "Merchants of Venice" and is hoping to raise $2,000. , also has formed a team and has raised $1,220 so far.

Organizers said that volunteers are still needed to organize and recruit teams, find refreshments and prizes, plan entertainment and help out in any way.

f you would like to RSVP for the informational meeting, volunteer on the Relay For Life committee, or serve as a team captain, contact Nicole Padilla at 213-718-2884, or visit www.RelayForLife.org/VeniceCA.