RELAY FOR LIFE
Today we spent a lot of time talking about Relay For Life this weekend at Cal State Bakersfield. There's a lot going on this weekend, but I hope you'll take an hour or two, at least, to stop by the AYSO soccer fields at CSUB and see what Relay is all about.
Of course, it's a fundraiser... teams raise money, and keep at least one person of their group walking during each of the 24 hours on the track. It's also a celebration-- hundreds of cancer survivors will walk the first lap, learn more about the American Cancer Society's services and be honored for their courage in their fight with cancer. Sadly, it's also a memorial... a realization that there are some who have lost that fight, and we remember their lives while trying to make a difference for future generations.
Bakersfield's Relay For Life is the second biggest in the world. Only Atlanta (which is the home city of the American Cancer Society) is bigger. By the way, it takes them six counties to edge us out, while Bakersfield's Relay does not include the result of Kern County's outlying areas. The goal this year is to raise $1.5 million. We raised $1.3 million last year, and every last penny goes to providing education, services, and programs for the American Cancer Society, and of course, research to find a cure.
We have an extremely generous community. There are lots of ways to still be a part of Relay if you are just finding out about it. You can come and make a stand-alone donation. You can come and stop by all the campsites and purchase souvenirs or enter prize drawings (any money you spend at any campsite goes to the Relay fund). You can purchase a Luminaria in honor or in memory of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. And even if you are unable to donate, you can still be involved-- become a volunteer for a few hours, or just show up. Spending an hour at Relay For Life is an educational experience alone-- and that's a very big part of what the event is all about.
Chances are, you know someone who has faced or is currently facing cancer. If not, there's a good chance you will during your lifetime. Breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer... the list goes on. That's why we Relay. I was extremely honored to have served on the Steering Committee this year, helping to put together this magnificent event, and will stay on the committee for years to come.
10,000 people will be at CSUB this weekend. I will be one of them. I hope you will be too.
"GILMORE GIRLS" WON'T BE BACK NEXT SEASON
"Gilmore Girls" will not be coming back to the CW Network next season. A source tells TMZ.com that there were negotiations between the network and the cast about potentially bringing the show back in the fall. . . but a deal couldn't be reached.
The series finale of "Gilmore Girls". . . which has Rory leaving town after graduation. . . will air on May 15th. The show ran for seven seasons.
