North Channel community raises more than $136,000 for Relay for Life

A large group of survivors wearing symbolic purple shirts makes the turn during the Survivor’s Lap at the North Shore Ninth Grade Center.
A large group of survivors wearing symbolic purple shirts makes the turn during the Survivor’s Lap at the North Shore Ninth Grade Center.
A large group of survivors wearing symbolic purple shirts makes the turn during the Survivor’s Lap at the North Shore Ninth Grade Center.

The Relay for Life-Houston North Channel was a huge success last Friday, May 6 as more than $136,000 was raised to benefit cancer research. The North Channel community is joining together the fight against cancer.

According to North Channel Relay officials, the fundraising totals were still being tallied as of press time and were expected to significantly increase.

With more than 50 teams participating, the “May the Cure be with You” Star Wars themed event drew hundreds of walkers that participated in the event at the track of the North Shore High School Ninth Grade Campus.

The North Channel group also received an award from the American Cancer Society for raising more than $1 million toward cancer research for the past 13 years.

The event will began with special introductions and presentations, followed by the opening lap of the evening – the Survivor’s Lap. The Parade of Teams followed, with some of them wearing Star Wars themed outfits to get in the spirit of fun for the evening.

Throughout the night, music from different groups was provided, along with a Disc Jockey – and was not unusual to find groups of people dancing in the middle of the football field. Also, community members and others made laps around the track and also participate in different “themed” laps.

Relay attendees also put bids in on many Silent Auction items that were donated for the event.

At dusk, the Luminaria Ceremony was held to remember those who valiantly fought the fight, those who continue to fight and those who have lost their battle with cancer. As the stadium lights went dark, candles inside the bag were lit for the ceremony.

Special event chairpersons for Relay continued to lead those in attendance in a variety of fun activities until closing ceremonies were held around 1 a.m.