As expected, this year's Relay for Life brought forth a wide variety of emotions on and around the Estevan Comprehensive School track on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. At times it was funny - the Mr. Relay pageant was a hit. At other times, the event was extremely moving. The survivors' victory lap and luminary ceremonies received their share of "cheers and tears," relay co-event chair Tina Bird said.
Add some good food and entertainment from local performers, and the 12-hour event had a little bit of something for everybody.
It raised a good chunk of money too.
This year's relay brought in $144,303.26 to help the fight against cancer. Although this amount did not quite match last year's total of about $173,000, and fell short of the goal of $185,060, Bird said she was not at all disappointed by all of the money raised. Fewer teams signed up for this year's relay, resulting in fewer pledges. Still, the teams punched above their weight when it came to raising money.
"We had 20 teams this year, as opposed to 37 teams last year, so the teams definitely raised a lot more money per team," Bird said. "My goal was to raise $100,000 with the number of teams we had. So, we went over that and we've still got pledges coming in. So, the way I look at it, any amount of money we make is a goal."
Bird said some teams only take part in the relay every second year, which would explain why fewer teams signed up this time around. She expects numbers will jump back up for next year.
When asked if the relay committee would consider holding the relay every second year, Bird said the idea has been talked about, but a change will not likely be made.
"The reason why myself and a lot of the committee members do the relay is not only to raise funds, but it's a time to celebrate the survivors, and it's something that the survivors look forward to every year," Bird said.
Ninety-three cancer survivors participated in Saturday's survivors' victory lap, matching last year's number. Bird said many of the survivors even stuck around until close to midnight.
Pledges can still be made up until the end of August, so Bird encourages anyone who would still like to make a donation to do so.
As for next year, Bird says the relay committee will continue trying to make the event bigger and better.
The 2011 Estevan Relay for Life will be held on June 11.
