First Relay for Life brings in record cash

Everyone had a feeling that the first annual Newport Beach Relay for

Life would be a big success, but no one guessed it would be this big.

The local event, which raises funds and awareness for cancer research,

treatment and prevention, broke several records for the national American

Cancer Society.

It was the best first-year Relay for Life event ever in Orange County.

Walkers raised more than $65,000 -- and it’s expected that this estimate

will be upped to $70,000 by the end of the month. What’s more, organizers

sold about 700 of the Luminaria candles, which each bring in $10 for the

charity.

The event took place May 17 and May 18 at Newport Harbor High School,

where teams of walkers took turns rounding the track for the 24-hour

event.

Many influential locals lent their support to the event, including

Newport Beach City Manager Homer Bludau, local activist Pat Smith, City

Councilman Steve Bromberg, honorary Chairman Paul Salta and many others.