Atop the roof of the Westfield Valencia Town Center parking structure, Santa Clarita’s Relay For Life has scheduled its 23rd annual community fundraising event to raise money for the American Cancer Society in October. 

Intending to raise money in support of the American Cancer Society, Santa Clarita’s annual Relay For Life is making a return atop the roof of the Westfield Valencia Town Center parking structure in October.

​​”Relay For Life is a movement, a community of like-minded survivors, caregivers, volunteers, and participants who believe that the future can be free from cancer,” read a statement from Relay For Life. “Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our community is currently connecting in different ways. While our fundraising might look different right now, our passion to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer is unchanged.”

Despite the challenges of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, organizers with Relay For Life continue their efforts to fight against cancer because “cancer does not stop,” according to Relay For Life officials.

While normally held at Central Park, this year’s event is scheduled atop the parking structure next to Macy’s on 24201 Town Center Drive on Saturday, Oct. 2, according to officials. 

Hosted by UCLA Health, the 2021 Relay For Life event is celebrating its 23 years of fundraising efforts to fight cancer through their theme of #NoSpaceForCancer.

The event has been scheduled between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. for fundraising, live entertainment and other activities for all ages, including a car show beginning at noon, according to event organizers. 

Instead of the usual food trucks at their regularly-scheduled spring event, organizers have partnered with local restaurants at the mall for the fall event. 

Photo Courtesy of Relay For Life of the Santa Clarita Valley

During the peak of coronavirus safer-at-home orders in 2020, the event was modified as a drive-thru luminaria event, where luminarias, decorated lanterns, were dedicated to those who have lost their lives or had their lives changed by cancer. 

At least 700 luminaria bags surrounded the drive-thru which had approximately 80 cars pass through last year, according to organizers with Relay For Life. 

Organizers and participants have already begun decorating their luminarias for the 2021 event, which has already reached 50 registered teams, but event organizers anticipate more. 

“The fight against cancer needs you now more than ever,” read a statement from Relay For Life. “To ensure our mission programs are sustainable, we need volunteers to continue to unleash their creativity and consider new and different ways to get involved with Relay For Life and help fund our cancer-fighting work.”

One in three people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, according to American Cancer Society officials. Money raised by the relay is set to help fund cancer research grants.

To  learn more about Relay For Life 2021 and get involved, click here.

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