DORAL INNOVATES FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
Doral, FL – Since early 2017, the City of Doral joined forces with the American Cancer Society to renew the signature event Relay for Life, with the goal to increase fundraising to aid the fight against cancer. This year Councilwoman Claudia Mariaca leads the charge as Honorary Chair, Honorary Celebrity is Doral Reserve Police Officer Shaquille O’Neal, while Lili Somoano is the Event Lead and Marco Giron is the Captain for the City’s Team. Codina Partners and Downtown Doral are co-hosting the event, and main sponsors include Doral Lincoln, Mercantil Bank, Jackson Health, CEMEX, Kendall Regional Medical Center, UPS, Waste Management, Gus Machado Ford, the Doral Business Council, FIU Frost Art Museum, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz and Dolphin Mall.
There are over 30 Teams participating this year who have developed innovative events and activities throughout the year such as Dining-4-A-Cure and Costa del Sol Golf Tournament.
Doral Relay for Life will take place on Saturday, November 18, 2017, from 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., at its brand new location, Downtown Doral Park. This year’s theme is “Harvest for Hope”, and will feature new attractions such as a Fun Zone with a Ninja obstacle course, bounce-house, Hamster-balls, great entertainment with artist performances, games-prizes-raffles and an array of delicious food.
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s a celebration of hope and progress that will increase awareness regarding prevention, detection and services for those currently battling the disease while also raising much-needed funds.
The event kicks off with the Opening Ceremony and traditional Survivor Lap. Then the Relay teams walk the track throughout the day and fundraise at their team booths. A major highlight of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony, where participants take a sacred moment to remember, reflect, and rededicate their efforts to creating a cancer-free community.
Another special feature this year is the donation of a commemorative trophy creation from renowned Doral resident and artist, Fernanda Frangetto. The trophy, which will be presented at the event, was inspired by the project logo, symbolizing the fight against cancer and capturing how art can be the light to ease someone’s struggles.
This year’s Community Champion, Councilwoman Claudia Mariaca, stated, “It’s been an incredible honor to lead this year’s efforts and to work with such amazing people. While great strides have been made in fundraising for this important cause, we must continue working together as a community to raise awareness and support for those struggling with this terrible disease.”
Survivor Jorge Calil has been an inspiration leading many volunteer activities. On his part, Calil expressed, “I like seeing the community come together and be that support for the people who need it, and it’s not just for survivors but also for the caregivers that do and go through so much. Many people in Doral, they don’t have an immediate family, some of the support that American Cancer Society and Relay for Life can give is critical.”
For more information, please contact:
Nikolai Guzman, Community Manager (305) 779-2843
Email: nikolai.guzman@cancer.org
