Duarte to host American Cancer Society event at Santa Anita Park

Duarte is hosting a caner-fighting fundraiser next month at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, officials announce Tuesday.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa Anita Park starts on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 11 a.m. and concludes Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. The infield at Santa Anita Park, 285 W. Huntington Drive in Arcadia, will serve as the event’s staging area.

“The Relay For Life is more than just a fundraising walk. This event brings together passionate supporters who embody the American Cancer Society (ACS) vision to end cancer for everyone,” according to a statement by Duarte officials. “This volunteer-led experience unites communities to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and raise funds to improve the lives of individuals with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support.”

The event kicks off with participants cheering on local cancer survivors as they complete the first lap of the day, followed by their caregivers and relayers. When the initial laps are complete, survivors will have lunch prepared by Chop Stop in Glendale, hear musical accompaniment by Larry DiPeppe and receive a goody bag.

Entertainers will perform throughout the day, and the event will also have booth sales and raffles with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.

At 9 p.m. Sept. 7, a ceremony featuring homemade paper lanterns called luminarias will be individually lit, each in remembrance of a life affected by cancer. Before the ceremony residents will have the opportunity to dedicate luminarias to family members or friends lost to cancer, people currently battling or anyone who has survived a bout with cancer.

“Together, participants will take a lap of silence to honor those affected by cancer,” officials said.

Throughout the evening, movies will play on the event stage, and card games will be available for donations.

The following morning at 7 a.m., the ACS will sponsor a donation-gathering pancake breakfast before the weekend event’s closing ceremony at 11 a.m.

All money raised will be donated to the American Cancer Society, officials said.

To register for the relay go to https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_id=108635.

More information on the event is available from Suzy Powell-Rutherford, allsmiles65g@gmail.com or 626-353-1040.