Annual Relay for Life set for Bonita YMCA

The Bonita Springs YMCA will honor cancer survivors and remember those lost during Relay for Life, benefiting the American Cancer Society.

The event, which takes place during the night of March 2 and 3, is the eighth of its kind.

“This is important so we can raise money for research and celebrate those who have survived cancer,” said Jon Mcleod, the event chair. He has volunteered his services for the event before but it will be his first time running it. “There is a lot of giving back in one night.”

The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. March 2 with a Victory Lap to honor those who have survived cancer.

“That brings out a lot of people. It’s such a nice moment to see all the people who survived walk a lap and get cheered on,” said Mcleod, who has booked live music throughout the night and the next morning.

The night includes constant circling of the running track, or Bonita Springs city soccer field. Local volunteers or teams have registered to walk, roll or crawl all night long to honor those who have survived cancer, those who have died from it, and the efforts of all who fight it. One member must circle the track at all times.

And, while one team member strolls the track, others will be manning booths to raise additional funds.

“Each team will have booths set up and will sell little trinkets or food to raise money for the effort,” he said of the more than 30 teams signed up so far. “All the money goes to the (American Cancer Society) and if anyone wants to come out they still can.”

Mcleod has also scheduled glow-in-the-dark volleyball games throughout the night and a laser battlefield will be set up for the first time.

“Being able to have the Relay at the YMCA makes it better for us. The more space will make everyone more comfortable,” said Mcleod about the Relay, which was traditionally held at the Bonita Springs Recreation Center.

The additional space will also make the Luminaria Ceremony, scheduled for 9 p.m., more stunning as attendees purchase bags with lights in them as a symbol of those who have lost the fight against cancer.

The March 3 morning festivities will include breakfast, live music and activities that conclude at noon.

“We will have as many as a few thousand people come out and we hope we can raise a lot of money,” Mcleod said.