Joyful music played and children happily ran through the green grass at Cochran Park in Peconic yesterday, with friends and loved ones coming together to to support the 10th Annual Relay for Life in Southold.
The event is a popular fundraiser to fight cancer.
Young and old walked, some in memory of the mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters they’ve lost to cancer. Others, survivors, walked the triumphant lap, their loved ones cheering on every step.
The event featured music, a presentation of the colors by the NJROTC, the national anthem performed by Shelby Dufton, words spoken by survivor Jed Clauss, a survivor lap with the North Fork cheerleaders, a caregiver lap, a Cutchogue East Elementary School lap, a survivor luncheon hosted by Ammiratti’s of Love Lane, a barbecue by the Southold Fire Department, a performance by the students of MainStage Dance Academy, a performance by NOFO Cheer, field games, a bagpipe procession led by Tim Kelly, a pizza party hosted by La Capriciossa Brick Oven Pizza, a Chinese auction and raffle, and more.
Perhaps the most moving part of the event, the luminaria ceremony, featured illuminated white bags lining the track, inscribed to the loved ones who lost their cancer battle, and inspiring hope.
So far, according to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Southold page, 20 teams and 90 participants have raised $51,449, with donations still expected for months to come.
“The enthusiasm and energy of our younger participants this year will hopefully serve as an inspiration for future Relay events,” said organizer Kim Sweeney.
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