American Cancer Society luminaria to shine Sept. 19

Since COVID-19 has grounded the American Cancer Society’s events and community organizing and sliced annual fundraising efforts in half, the Society is seeking people to volunteer and sell luminaria to their family, friends and colleagues in the area.

The Greater Richmond communities will all join together in September for a series of drive-thru luminaria ceremonies around the area. Volunteers will light these decorative keepsake bags to remember and to honor those who have faced cancer. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.  In Henrico, the drive-thru event will take place Sept. 19 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Apex Systems in Innsbrook.

Community members who would like to volunteer can purchase luminaria in honor or in memory of loved ones affected by cancer, pass out promotional and sale flyers in their neighborhoods, set fundraising goals to sell a dozen or more luminaria, collect donations and deliver luminaria bags to donors to decorate, and turn in donations and decorated bags to an ACS contact.

Luminaria ceremonies are traditionally held during annual Relay For Life events, which were canceled due to COVID-19. The drive-thru events allow for participants to recapture the sense of community support while maintaining a safe distance.

“The end of cancer begins with research, which is why it has always been vital to achieving our mission.” said Michele Couch, Virginia Area Director for the Society. “Research takes years to come to fruition. A cancer breakthrough begins perhaps 10-20 years earlier. If research is disrupted today, it means lives lost tomorrow.”

For details about volunteering or purchasing luminaria, visit relayforlife.org, enter your zip code and click on "Luminaria," or call the Society’s 24/7 hotline at 1-800-227-2345.