American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Ahead this Weekend

The American Cancer Society will hold its annual Relay for Life, the organization's signature fundraising event, at the Charlotte Amalie High School field this weekend beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday and ending at 10 a.m. Sunday. It is the 14th Relay for Life to be held on St. Thomas.

The race consists of various “themed” laps over the course of the night, during which participating teams will keep at least one member on the track.

ACS Virgin Islands Executive Director Lorraine Baa said themes for the laps will include "decades," "funky wigs," "Hawaiian luau," "pajama party," "super hero" and "crazy socks."

As is traditional at the event, cancer survivors will complete the first lap.

DeAnne Day, ACS Virgin Islands’ assistant director, said that the organization is expecting this year's fundraiser to be among its most well-attended, with approximately 80 teams scheduled to participate.

Relay for Life teams consist of 15 members each.

Teams donate a $150 commitment fee to American Cancer Society upon registration and each member then works to raise a minimum donation of $100.

In addition to the all-night walk, the Relay for Life features entertainment, including performances by Ah We Band, LSD Band and Poison Band, a dinner in honor of cancer survivors, as well as games and competitions.

"There will be events for adults and kids," said Day. "For adults there will be a Newspaper Fashion Show, in which people design and model outfits made out of newspapers; relay races; tug-of-war, which is always a lot of fun; volleyball; and an old school dance party."

Day said kids will be entertained with face painting, scavenger hunts and a bouncy house.

Baa said one Relay for Life event that the ACS is particularly proud of organizing is the traditional Cancer Survivor Dinner.

"No one quite does the Survivor Dinner like us," said Baa. "It's the equivalent of a five-star meal."

The Relay for Life will also include a ceremony during which participants honor the memory of friends, family and loved ones who have lost battles with cancer and to honor those currently affected by the disease, by lighting luminarias to display on the field. Luminarias can be purchased for a $5 donation to ACS.

Baa said that it’s not to late to make a donation to the ACS in the days leading up to the event. She can be reached at 340-775-5373.