Relay for Life Returns to AMI

BRADENTON BEACH – The The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life returns to the island this month. The event kicks off Saturday May 17 at Coquina Beach. Relay for Life is more than a walk around a track. It is a life-changing event that unites people to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease. Money raised at the Relay For Life of Anna Maria Island funds cutting-edge cancer research, early detection and prevention education, advocacy efforts and life-affirming patient services. 

The Relay For Life of Anna Maria Island invites everyone in the community to come out and enjoy all the activities, stroll the event and have fun at the various team booths where you can get something to eat, shop, participate in 50/50’s, chance drawings, silent auctions, etc. There is something for everyone. Plus you will have fun watching the teams participate in the various fun laps such as the glow lap, pajama lap, backwards lap, three legged lap, crazy hat lap, etc. 

There will be plenty happening at the opening ceremonies at 4:30 p.m. when County Commissioners Carol Whitmore and John Chappie, Anna Maria Mayor SueLynn, Holmes Beach Commissioner David Zaccagnino, Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon and Commissioner Jan Vosburgh will speak, and talented young vocalist Griffin Heckler will perform. During the opening ceremony, the crowd will celebrate all the survivors in attendance as they walk the first lap (followed by one with their caregivers).

Immediately after, there will be a dinner in their honor catered by the The Feast with dessert served by Off Stage Ladies of the Island Players. Survivors and caregivers sign up at www.relayforlife.org/amifl to participate. The Luminaria Ceremony at 9 p.m. is a moving ceremony that you will never forget. Luminaria bags can be purchased that evening prior to the event and then you will place your bag/s on the track for the ceremony. The even kicks off at 4:30 p.m. Saturday gulfside of Coquina Beach at 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, and ends on Sunday May 18 at 6 a.m. 

Relay for Life of Anna Maria Island currently has 17 registered teams and 140 participants registered so far. It is not too late to sign up your team or join a team. You can sign up by visiting RelayForLife.org/amifl. Relay for Life of Anna Maria Island is about half way to their goal of $45,000 having already raised over $22,000 to help in the fight against cancer. 

If you or your business would like to become a sponsor or would like more information about Relay For Life of Anna Maria Island contact Calaina.Goodyear@cancer.org or call 941-328-3757 or Nancy Ambrose at nancy.ambrose@aol.com or 941-518-4431.