Bremerton cruises for a cure next weekend

Relay for Life at Central Kitsap High School June 21 and 22.

Hundreds of people will gather at Central Kitsap High School (CKHS) next weekend with one common goal in mind: to cure cancer.

Relay for Life of Central Kitsap & Bremerton will be from noon to noon next Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 on the track at CKHS in Silverdale. Relay for Life used to be at Bremerton High School, but construction forced the event to relocate last year.

“(CKHS) is a great location and we’re very pleased with it,” said Tim Roller, Relay for Life co-chair.

Roller and his wife, Jana, serve as co-chairs for the event and participated in numerous Relays in the past before becoming event chairs.

As of Wednesday, about 900 people, some of which comprise the 71 teams signed up to participate, had raised nearly $77,000 for the American Cancer Society event. Roller said Relay for Life of Bremerton & Central Kitsap raised about $165,000 last year and this year’s goal is even higher.

“Our goal is $190,000,” he said.

This year’s theme for the event is “Cruisin’ For A Cure.” Relay for Life will have entertainment throughout the days and night including music, dance and karate demonstrations. Food vendors will be on hand providing nourishment for tired walkers and each hour of the event has a theme. Hourly themes range from the “Wild Wild West” to “Disney Daze” to the “Elvis Hour.”

The Survivors Lap will accompany the opening ceremony at noon Saturday. It is dedicated to people who have survived cancer.

“All the teams are at their campsites cheering them on,” Roller said.

The traditional Luminary Ceremony is at 10 p.m. Saturday night and people walk two special laps as lighted bags circle the track honoring people who have died or survived cancer.

Roller said Relay for Life is a wonderful event because many people’s lives have been affected by cancer and people want to donate money in hopes of someday curing the deadly disease.

“It’s hard to find someone who’s not been touched by cancer and this is a real chance for someone to make a difference,” Roller said.

He added that the the Relay for Life events throughout Kitsap County raised half a million dollars last year, the second largest sum of money raised in the 12 states that make up the Great West area.

“This year we’re shooting for No. 1,” Roller said.

More and more people participate in Relay for Life each year and this year’s turnout looks good, according to Roller. People can continue to sign up for Relay for Life until the day of the event.

“People can actually go to the Web site and make donations to individuals, teams or to the event as well,” he said.

For more information about Relay for Life of Central Kitsap & Bremerton, visit the event’s Web site at http://events.cancer.org/rflcentralkitsapwa.

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