Rotarians walk for life

Spearheaded by Arcadia Rotary Club president-elect Eric Barter, Dr. Tom Miles and Mary Salcedo, Rotary members joined hundreds of others in the fight against cancer at the American Cancer Society’s 24-Hour Relay for Life held recently at Santa Anita Racetrack. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Arcadia Rotarians Walk in Support of Cancer Cure by Anne Donofrio-Holter1 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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.

“Last year, we raised over $1,000 with our members buying tickets to a barbeque we had on-site,” said Barter. “This year we set out to raise even more as well as have some fun. Having the event fall bright and early the morning after our club’s installation dinner was indeed challenging, but well worth it.”

According to Barter, as Rotarians laid out this year’s barbeque for members, the tantalizing aroma prompted hungry walkers, as they made their way past the Rotary booth, to offer a donation to the cause for a taste. “Before we knew it, for a modest donation to Relay for Life, we were selling plates of ribs, salads and a bottle of water,” said Barter. In no time, all the ribs were gone and people were still licking their lips looking for more! We could have sold as much as we could cook. Perhaps next year, with more ribs and perhaps tri-tip added, the sky may be the limit!”

As evening fell, glowing bags called luminaria lit the infield footpath, each one representing a life that has battled cancer. Throughout the 24-hour period, volunteers continued to walk, lend support for each other, enjoy karaoke and visit the various exhibits including the Arcadia Rotary Club’s Water for Water project.

“This was the first time we shared details with the public of the campaign to raise funds for clean water projects,” said Barter. “We sold three cases of water even though they were giving bottles of water for free at the event.” As the 24 hours drew to a close, Arcadia Rotarians deemed this year’s event a “super success” with the club raising more than $2,000 for cancer research. The dawn of Sunday morning brought with it a feeling of satisfaction. “What a great experience this was for me, especially with my dad having cancer and actually doing well,” said Salcedo. “This event definitely makes you feel that you are not alone! With my Rotarian friends walking and celebrating life and contributing to help find a cure, it was like a huge family bonding with everyone on the same page.  So heartwarming, and feeling great about what a difference we can make.”

Calling Relay for Life a positive event of hope, club president Dr. Brad Miller added the disease has touched everyone’s life in some way and club members were honored to be there to support the survivors as well as remember those we have lost. “We also see the potential for next year of raising even more funds by perhaps having enough ribs to sell throughout the event,” he added. “I would like to thank all of the Rotarians who helped to make this year’s Relay for Life a success,” said Miles. “We all had a great time for a great cause and how about those ribs!” “This is a fine example of Rotary at its best – members involved for a good cause and bringing the community together to support that cause,” said Miller. “Eric’s leadership brought Arcadia Rotary into the event and our participation grows each year.” “It’s a heart-warming feeling when Rotarians get together and from their efforts make great things happen,” said Barter.  “To raise $2,000 for cancer research in 24 hours is amazing!  Next year it will be $5000!”

First held in 1985, almost 5,000 communities in the United States have played host to the event which to date, has raised more than $2 billion in the fight against cancer.