Relay For Life Conejo Valley took place at Conejo Creek South Park in Thousand Oaks, May 20-21, 2017, and the Mustang team was thrilled to get in on the action.
Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature, nationwide fundraising event. Since its launch in 1946, the events have brought in a combined total of more than $4 billion for cancer research and resources.
This year, one of our Mustang team members, Jessica, was on the event leadership team for Relay, and when she suggested we form a team, we couldn’t resist joining a great community event for a great cause. Plus, in addition to providing an opportunity to walk for the cure and raise funds for cancer, the Relay was jam-packed with all-day activities — making it a perfect Saturday morning team outing.
We arrived just in time for the opening ceremony and enjoyed performances by the Thousand Oaks High School choir, who performed the national anthem, and the Newbury Park High School Sparkles cheerleaders, who performed a cheer. Professional cheerleaders from the Los Angeles Rams football team were also on deck to cheer on the first lap led by survivors and caregivers.
Right after the opening ceremony, we were treated to a performance by Cabrillo Music Theatre, who showcased a few songs from its upcoming production of Peter Pan, including the famous, “I’ve Gotta Crow,” which we all loved.
Then it was time to walk! And walk we did. It may have been hot, but the huge tubs of ice water around the track were a nice and much-needed treat. While we were walking it was great to take in all the different campsites, and how they were decorated. You see, the fundraising doesn’t end before the Relay — it goes all weekend! Teams camp around the perimeter of the track, with tables and booths lining the trackway filled with items to purchase or activities to participate in for a donation. For example, at one campsite, a booth was set up where you could take a mallet and crush a can to “crush cancer.” It’s a pretty neat way to keep the walk lively, while interacting with everyone taking part in the event.
This year’s theme was “Superheroes,” and the man dressed as Iron Man even in 90-degree weather certainly earns top honors!
For many of the Mustang team, this was our first time participating in the event, and it was great to learn more about what Relay For Life is all about. In addition to being a 24-hour relay (don’t worry, it’s a walk, not a run!), there was plenty going on to keep us entertained. From the free all-day kids’ camp with an inflatable obstacle course for our kids to jump in, to the live entertainment, vendors and food trucks, we can definitely see ourselves coming back next year… and maybe even camping overnight!
In the end, our Mustang team came together to raise nearly $2,000, and with Mustang owners Scott Harris and Dianne McKay offering to match up to $1,000 of what we raised, Mustang’s efforts have provided $3,000 toward cancer research!
We had a blast and plan on being at next year’s Relay For Life. Maybe you’ll join us?