Relay For Life '09

This weekend was the 25th Anniversary of Relay For Life, which started right here in Tacoma, by one man. Now 25 years later it is the largest fundraising event for the American Cancer Society held in over 5000 locations and in 19 different countries.
This year Team Merrill Lynch was affected by all the changes that have taken place over the past year and the down turn in the economy. There were still over 40 employees and family members that showed up to walk the track over the 24 hour period. The team raised over $12,000, which is nothing to sneeze at, but doesn't even compare to the funds we've been able to raise in the past.
Kaitlyn and Mackenna were both on the team this year, raising funds and taking their turn on the track. Their goal was to stay until about 3:00 in the morning. However, after the week of finals and the last day of school taking their toll, by 11:30 last night they were ready to head home. Can't say I was too sad by that news. I was tired myself and happy to go home to my bed!