Big changes in store for upcoming Relay For Life of Lompoc

The Relay For Life of Lompoc is on the move.

When the popular American Cancer Society fundraiser is held on Saturday, May 18, it will be at a new location, the Lompoc Veterans’ Memorial Building.

“It just seemed like a good fit for this year and we’re excited about the change,” said ​​​​​Kelsey Davis, American Cancer Society Community Development Manager.

Now in its 21st year, the event is moving to the historic 82-year-old building from its previous longtime site at Huyck Stadium on the Lompoc High School campus.

“We’ve had to battle the rain, the wind, the cold, so this is going to be awesome,” said cancer survivor and Mary’s Malignancy Mashers team captain Mary Jostes. “We’ll be indoors and if the weather is nice, we’ll walk outside as well, so we have those options.”

Even though the event will be held inside, there will still be plenty of activities that take place activities outside.

“All day activities will include live music, entertainment. We have a survivor’s luncheon, dance troupes, food, kids activities, bounce house, and luminaria ceremony.”

Besides the location, another big change coming to the event is the length of time it will be held.

Instead of lasting 24 hours, the Relay will be cut in half to 12 hours.

“We wanted to make a change of not having it overnight and weather has been an issue in years past,” said Davis. “We’re hoping with the change and it not being overnight, we’ll generate some more interest.”

While the changes made this year are significant, Relay for Life has the same important mission, to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

“The money goes towards cancer research and our programs and services and the money also stays in the community to help cancer patients in the community. Our programs and services include rides to treatment, free lodging for patients and their families when they have to travel far for treatment,” said Davis.

In the first 20 years of Relay for Life of Lompoc, the event has raised nearly $3 million.

“I like to look at Lompoc as a small community that really works together to make a difference,” said Relay for Life participant Steve Jostes. “When you see people pour their hearts out, take the time, put in the effort and show it with their money to try and make change, that’s representative of people in this community.”

Jostes has taken part in the event for years and said people should become involved as well.

“It’s an opportunity to come out, remember those who have been impacted by cancer, friends, family, whether they’ve passed away, whether they’ve survived, long long they’ve survived,” said Jostes. It’s a chance to represent them in an effort to make a difference in the fight against cancer.”

The Relay, as always, will be free to attend.

“It’s going to be a big party atmosphere, all for a good cause,” said Davis. “You don’t have to sign-up, just come down and check it out. Learn more about Relay and what we’re doing and take part in the fun.”

Relay For Life of Lompoc is scheduled for Saturday, May 18 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit the Relay For Life of Lompoc website or Facebook page.