Arcadia Rotarians Raise Funds for Cancer Research
Several members of the Arcadia Rotary Club, including Eric Barter, Brad Miller and family, demonstrated their support for cancer research by participating in Arcadia’s Relay for Life in memory of former Arcadia mayor Charles Gilb held recently at Santa Anita Park.
Relay for Life “brings together more than three million people each year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and empower individuals and communities to fight back against the disease.” In addition to raising awareness, the event is also an opportunity for people from all walks of life to raise funds for research.
Story continues below the following 3 1/2-minute emotion-charged video compilation of the annual 24-hour event that featured entertainment — Jaz V (young female singer Jasmine Villegas) — and a special Luminaria nighttime walk along a path lined with candles.
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Rotary team captain Barter presented a check on behalf of the club for $1,000 to be used in the fight against cancer.
“Cancer has touched everyone’s life in some way,” said Barter. “The Arcadia Rotary Club is proud to be here to support the survivors as well as remember those we have lost.”
As evening fell, glowing bags called luminaria lit the track, each one representing a life that has battled cancer. Throughout the 24-hour period, participants continued to walk and lend support for each other and greeted the dawn of Sunday morning with a feeling of satisfaction.
“I’m a bit tired, but so proud of what we have accomplished here,” said one Rotarian.
“We hope that next year we can have a Rotary tent, a barbeque and perhaps walk the 24 hours in shifts or just hang out with follow Rotarians while we raise money for a great cause,” said Barter.
“Rotary is very proud to be part of such an incredible group of people who are giving back in a way that will help so many others.”
First held in 1985, almost 5,000 communities in the United States played host to the event last year. To date, it has raised more than $2 billion in the fight against cancer.