After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Relay for Life of Plant City made its return, on May 6.
For the first time, the function was held on the Strawberry Festival grounds and occurred from 6 p.m. to midnight.
This year’s event brought out a sizable crowd to support cancer awareness and commemorate those who lost their battle with the disease.
“It was actually a great success, we did very well,” said Tammy Schoonover, senior community development manager for the American Cancer Society. “We celebrated our survivors, we remembered our loved ones that we lost to cancer, and we fought back with our donations.”
There was a larger turnout than expected this year, Schoonover added.
Aside from walking or running laps around the fairgrounds, attendees had the opportunity to partake in multiple activities and visit numerous vendors that were set up by 22 teams.
A 9 p.m. slideshow ceremony took place, displaying the pictures of those who had passed away from cancer.
Luminaria bags were also lit in commemoration of those individuals.
The Plant City function is just one of over 2,500 Relay for Life events across the country.
As of May 11, Plant City has helped raise over $80,000 in donations, and is gradually moving closer to its goal – $100,000.
The proceeds go to the American Cancer Society which has over 1.5 million volunteers nationwide and combats cancer through research, education, advocacy, and family services.