By BRIDGET COOK
IT WAS a moving weekend for the Cranbourne Narre Relay for Life as they celebrated the launch of the 2014 event and paid tribute to one of their valued committee members.
On Friday night, the official launch event for the relay took place at the Rugby Field at Casey Fields, which was announced as the new venue for this year’s event on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November.
Then on Saturday, hundreds of family and friends of dedicated committee member Jenny Black turned out for Jen’s Charity Baseball Match at Cyril Molyneux Reserve, Berwick.
The event was to be Mrs Black’s last attempt at raising as much money as she could to go towards the Cranbourne Narre Relay for Life, but she sadly lost her battle with cancer last week.
Relay For Life committee member Brooke Hunter said the baseball match was still a huge success and managed to raise more than $11,400 which will go towards Mrs Black’s relay team ‘BATS Flying Towards a Cure’.
“Although the day started with rain, by the time the game was in full swing, the rain had cleared,” she said.
“We’d love to individually thank each and every person who attended and helped make the day a success, because without them it wouldn’t have been possible to raise that much money.
“The money was raised through the raffle, silent auction, photo booth, face painting, delicious baked goods, stalls and more.”
Mrs Black’s daughter Renae Peck thanked everyone for their support.
“Mum would be so proud of all of us,” she said.
“We’re touched by the support of all the people who came and ecstatic with the end result,” she said.
Ms Hunter said the official launch of the event on Friday night was exciting for all those involved as they announced the new venue.
“The launch was a spectacular night and the committee thanks everyone who came along to help us launch the night,” she said.
“The night kicked off with a committee flash mob, and we remembered those we have lost with a special candlelight ceremony, including a moving tribute for Jenny Black.
“The Cranbourne Narre Relay For Life has officially been launched for Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November at our new venue The Rugby Field at Casey Fields.”
To register a team for the Cranbourne Narre Relay for Life visit www.relayforlife.org.au.