Lighting the way

June Casagrande

Locals are pleased, but they’re hardly surprised. Where else but

Newport Beach could a charity event for cancer research and awareness

break a record in its first year?

Though the Relay for Life event will begin at 7 p.m. today, it had

already sold more than 300 Luminaria candles by Thursday afternoon.

Newport Beach’s relay is one of many throughout the country sponsored

by the American Cancer Society. Supporters pay $10 to have a candle

lighted in the name of a survivor or victim of cancer. And, as organizers

reported Thursday, Newport Beach has broken the county’s record for the

most Luminaria candles sold in the first year. And even more will likely

be purchased at the event.

“The excitement is so overwhelming right now,” said Peggy Fort, a

volunteer promoter for the event. “Everybody is really coming together as

a team, and we’re all very much looking forward to the event being even

more successful than we anticipated.”

By Thursday afternoon, 30 teams were signed up for the all-night walk

around the Newport Harbor High School stadium. Teams include the Council

Critters, captained by two-time cancer survivor City Councilman Steve

Bromberg, and the City Slickers, led by City Manager Homer Bludau. Team

members take turns walking in shifts, which for some will mean a late

night.

“I’ll be walking the 4 a.m. shift and the 10 a.m. shift, and any other

shift where I’m needed,” Bludau said.

Community members are welcome to come out and watch, root for the

walkers and even get involved at the last minute. Fort said there will be

“orphan teams,” put together by event planners, on which anyone can walk

for a shift.

“The more people know about it and get involved this year, the more it

will grow next year too,” Fort said.

The Relay for Life’s “Bank Night” fund-raiser Monday brought in

$20,000 for the American Cancer Society. Team registration, pledges,

donations, team fund-raisers and more Luminaria candle sales are expected

to add substantially to that amount.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. today with opening ceremonies that

include cancer survivors walking the first lap. The Luminaria candles

will be lighted about 9:30 p.m. in another ceremony.

“It’s been such a wonderful feeling the last couple weeks seeing it

all come together,” Fort said.

FYI

WHAT: Newport Beach Relay for Life

WHEN: Cancer survivors will walk the first lap at 7 p.m. today; a

Luminaria candle-lighting ceremony will take place at 9:30 p.m.; the walk

will end at 7 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Newport Harbor High School stadium

CONTACT: (949) 675-0501