Relay for Life Farmington Event Planners Expect Record-Breaking Year

Volunteers painted downtown Farmington purple Saturday, as part of an effort to create awareness for Farmington/Farmington Hills Relay for Life, held May 18-19 in Shiawassee Park to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

In addition to ribbons tied on light poles, they posted flyers and gave out information from a booth at the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market. 

"This is the second time we're doing this," organizer Pilar Hagey said. "When we did it last year, between us being out and seeing people and the media coverage ... more people heard about the event." 

That's important, because teams continue fundraising during the Relay, from 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday, with sales and other activities at their campsites. The public is invited to participate.

There will also be entertainment by local bands, and a pancake breakfast Sunday morning, hosted by the Farmington Elks lodge. 

"It's been a goal-breaking year for us so far," Hagey said. "Our team goal was 31, and we have 34. Our financial goal is $87,000 and we have over $72,000. This time last year, we were at maybe $30,000." 

Momentum has carried forward from last year, she added, with events like spaghetti dinners and last weekend's Relay for Fun fundraiser at Zap Zone in Farmington.

"The teams are excited, they're motivated and they've done some creative fundraisers," Hagey said.