Relay for Life with Yosemite Lions Club

Lions Club President Kym, Lion Teri, Lions Club Treasurer Yolanda and Lion Alison at the Mariposa Relay for Life

"Yosemite Hiking for a Cure", the Yosemite Lions Club sponsored fundraising team for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, raised $4130 for cancer research in this year's relay.  Team Captain and Lions Club member Patti Burgess congratulates all of her team members on a job well-done: "It was a privilege to be your team captain this year.  Thank you everyone for not only meeting, but exceeding our team goal of $2,500.00."

The Relay for Life is a 24 hour event that is hosted in various venues across the country.  Locally, the event takes place at the Mariposa Fairgrounds, where walkers (or runners!) circle the track at scheduled times during the 24 hour period to raise funds by asking friends and family to sponsor their time on the track with donations.  Events include music and movies, raffles, a drag queen contest (Miss Relay 2011), and a Luminaria Ceremony where individuals who have suffered from cancer may be recognized with a customized luminaria - a candlelit bag that is decorated with an individual tribute.  The luminarias are staged around the entire track and lit at sunset, while the ceremony consists of speakers, live music, and a reading of the names on each luminaria.  Relay participants light candles of their own and walk the track during the name reading.

Team Captain Patti and Lion Kym light luminarias on the track.

The "Yosemite Hiking for a Cure" team consisted of more than just Lions Club members.  We send a warm thank you to our twenty-three team members from all walks of the Yosemite community: Team Captains Patti Burgess and Pat Reilly, Kurt Anderson, Annette Catamec, Yolanda Cheley, Jacqui Coffman, Christy Contreras, Marty Fazio, Michelle Hansen, Megan Hooper, Audrey Lanting, Joe Lewis, Jennifer Lipsinsky, Maddie Moore, Sean Pence, Eric Popoe, Sarah Rosenfeld, Danny Schaible, Bill Thomas, Melisa Tovar, Teri Tudela, Kym Wright-Youngdale and Katie Zepp.  Special thanks to Patti, Teri and Kym for sticking it out for the 24 hours, sleeping in a tent and walking in the middle of the night!

Overall, the Mariposa Relay for Life raised $70,000 for cancer research with Yosemite Hiking for a Cure being the third most successful fundraising team.  Our team also included the fourth most successful fundraiser for the entire event: Kym Wright-Youngdale with $1444.  The Yosemite Lions Club sponsors successful fundraising events with the dedicated assistance of the Yosemite community, providing funds and opportunity for community organizations and individuals.  Join us year-round for fundraising events in various locations throughout the Yosemite area, and check back often with the Yosemite Lions Club blog for the current event schedule.