The May 3 First Friday in downtown Los Altos spotlights the Discovery Shop and its fundraising work for the American Cancer Society in a partnership with the annual ACS Relay for Life.
Organizers encourage event visitors to make donations as they enjoy live music from 10 to 15 bands, a light show at His and Her Art Gallery on State Street, photo-taking with their dogs at Dogma Studios and a free guided tour with Arts Los Altos members.
Having fun, supporting small businesses and raising money to find a cure for cancer is “a win, win, win,” said Jamie Lucia, Downtown Los Altos First Friday chair and owner of Dogma Studio on Second Street.
Discovery Shop on Main Street and Relay for Life of Silicon Valley North (SVN), an ACS fundraiser, join forces for the event. All funds raised support local patient services. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. with the opening ceremony at Veteran’s Community Plaza at the intersection of State and Main streets followed by the survivor and caregiver stroll.
The pandemic has impacted fundraising like everything else in the economy.
“We decided to change it up this year by getting out of the park and into the city for more public awareness of our cause,” said Nancy Hoehenrieder, co-chair with Laura Breaux (manager of the ACS Discovery Shop) for Relay for Life of SVN. “It’s a uniquely different Relay for Life event designed to foster community,” she said.
“I can’t think of anyone I know that hasn’t been touched by cancer,” said First Friday vice-chair Carol Garsten, whose mother had both ovarian and breast cancer and passed at age 62. “The question is, what can each person do to help contribute to the Road to a Cure?”
Downtown merchants also are encouraged to raise funds for ACS while still promoting their businesses. They are a stop on the “Road to a Cure” passport or posted on a “Friend of Relay” sign around town with a $100 donation. Some have contributed merchandise, coupons and gift certificates to the survivor gift bags.
Like all Relay for Life events, teams will come together for three basic elements: to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones lost and fight back with fundraising activities.
The luminaria ceremony begins at 8 p.m., again at Veteran’s Community Plaza. Bagpiper John Boyden returns to this Relay to lead out the luminaria lap with “Amazing Grace.” The lit luminaria bags along State and Main streets will represent individual lives touched by cancer.
The Agency Los Altos is sponsoring the event in honor of their colleague Jimmy Nappo,who is currently battling cancer.
A celebration luncheon for cancer survivors will be held at 1 p.m. at Enchanté Boutique Hotel, 1 Main St.
For more information and to register, visit relayforlife.org/svn. For more information on Los Altos First Friday, visit LosAltosFirstFriday.fun.
