Relay for Life was just that, full of life last Saturday as folks from around the Chantilly area crowded the Centreville High School football field with booths, tents, games and music. Teams surrounded the field with booths selling t-shirts, light up necklaces and hand-painted tattoos all in an effort to help raise awareness and funds for cancer.
Teams had to have one member on the track at all times during the 24-hour event so camping tents were set up inside the field too. While I wasn't there during the wee hours of the night, I can say the evening hours were full of fun. Clowns, bands, games and food were all in abundance at the event and there was never a dull moment anywhere.
As darkness set in, luminarias were set up all around the track representing those battling cancer and those being remembered. It was a stunning reminder to see how many families are affected by this disease. The silent, candle light walk with names and photos of those being remembered were read was a touching moment for everyone.
Find out what's happening in Chantillywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
While all the participants might have been a little sleepy on Sunday, I believe they all went home with warmth in their hearts from such a great event. The Centreville Relay for life raised over $133,000. Congrats to the top fund raising teams; Happy Feet with over $14,000, Bite Me Cancer and Purple Powerhouse and top individual contributor, Nikki Ferraro, with almost $11,000.
