By SARA MILSTEIN Special to the Daily Press
SMC — Hundreds gathered this weekend under the blistering summer sun to celebrate those who participated in the American Cancer Society’s fourth annual Relay for Life event in Santa Monica.
This year’s Relay for Life was more successful than last year’s in raising money for the fight against cancer, event officials said. This year’s 30 participating teams topped last year’s total of about $158,000 to raise close to $166,000. As donations are still welcome until Aug. 31, officials are optimistic that the amount raised will continue to grow.
The marathon, which lasted 24 hours and revolved around Santa Monica College’s Corsair Field, is designed to raise cancer awareness as well as funds for the American Cancer Society, which mobilizes communities nationwide to promote cancer research, education and patient services.
According to the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life is the largest nonprofit fundrais-ing event in the world, unifying more than 3 million participants in 4,200 local communities.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 25, 2005. Read the original PDF.