Relaying in the Rain

You’ve heard the song, “Singing in the Rain” made famous by Gene Kelly? Remember how happy he was singing and dancing in the rain? Well, I didn’t see a lot of singing and dancing but there sure were some happy faces on the folks walking in the rain at Clark Magnet High School on Saturday and Sunday.

This past weekend was the annual Foothills Relay for Life and with my too often partner in crime Mary O’Keefe we had some challenges pulling it all together. Where to begin?

Let’s start with the weather. We hung on every weather report that was released. Mary called the National Weather Service and spoke – often – with Stuart Seto over there. Rain was coming – and lots of it. The company we hired to take care of power and sound bowed out once the forecast was confirmed that rain was certain. This put us in a pickle – Relay is a 24-hour event; we couldn’t have people walking in the dark.

But (cue the music) help was on the way. By tapping into our many resources, not only did we have all the power we wanted but nothing had to be cancelled due to power or sound needs. The stage was ready for live music and the moving luminaria ceremony went off without a hitch (thank you to bagpiper Zack Fowler who led the procession). Even the huge Cure and Hope signs were lit like beacons reminding the hundreds who came out why they were walking in the rain.

Food? Yes – and plenty of it coordinated by Jean Maluccio. Emcees? Duties perfectly executed by Rik Middleton and Todd Hunt. Volunteers? You betcha – too many to name. Luminaria readers? Thank you to Aidan Milanovich-Rooney and Art Rinaman. Equipment? Everything from easy ups to the stage provided (at no cost!) by Bonners Equipment Rentals. In addition, our American Cancer Society rep Adriana (also known as Betty) Serrano was with us every step of the way – literally.

A huge shout of thanks to Mark Shelton and Murat Montero who spent numerous hours setting up and breaking down all the power and sound equipment while making everything look (and sound) flawless.

Finally, Relay happens for one reason – cancer. We Relay whether in the rain or the heat because we have all been touched by cancer and want it wiped out in our lifetime. I was talking to Bruce Bartels of Bruce’s Automotive (who is a major helper at the Hometown Country Fair taking place on Saturday). I was telling him about the challenges of pulling Relay together and how happy I was to see all those Relayers on the track. He laughed and said, “You really think compared to cancer that rain is going to bother them?”

I had to smile. He’s right.

There’s still time to support everyone who walked in the rain for our Foothills Relay for Life. Visit http://tinyurl.com/hzjfdya and donate today. Our goal is $57,000 and we’re at $45,096 – your help is needed.

  robin goldsworthy