Relay for Life looks back on its success

Naomi Wiley, Staff Reporter

Going strong for the last 20 years, Relay for Life will be coming to an end at Elk Grove.

Relay For Life has raised more than $2 million dollars for the American Cancer Society, but over time, the attendance has depleted tremendously. Along with other issues, the leadership team came to the conclusion that Relay For Life will not be hosted in Elk Grove Village.

“We really feel, at this point, Relay For Life does not fit in the needs of the community. From many issues such as weather and other inconveniences, we will not being doing relay in the near future. Unlike in our earlier years, a lot of things have just changed making attendance dwindle severely,” English teacher and long term Relay sponsor Rita Sayre said.

Other communities will be continuing Relay For Life. Even though there has not been many people involved, there’s still a ton of support.

“In the past two years, we have raised over $40,000 which was outstanding,” said Sayre.

Even though Relay For Life will not be returning, there will be other small events to help fundraise for many other causes besides the American Cancer Society.

“It’s sad that Relay will not be returning. I believe that Relay brought the community together to help fight for a cause that a majority of people care about. It was just a ton of fun and I’m surprised that it’s coming to an end,” junior and previous volunteer Katie Ruszkowski said.

Sayre said she feels “really sad that we couldn’t keep the fundraiser a little bit longer, but I’m very happy at how long we did it for.”

Sayre will fund other events in the future. Sayre also said that she feels “really guilty for not fighting hard enough to keep Relay for Life longer, but that’s what happens.”