Luminaria night at WCCC to replace annual Relay for Life walks

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life will host a drive-thru luminaria event to take the place of annual walks that have been canceled due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Luminaria night is scheduled for 7-10 p.m. July 30 at the Westmoreland County Community College Youngwood campus.

The Greensburg, Mt. Pleasant, Norwin, Latrobe, Murrysville and Pitt-Greensburg walk teams have joined forces for the event to raise funds and honor those who are battling or have lost their lives to cancer.

“The luminaria ceremony is always the most heartwarming and emotional part of Relay For Life,” said volunteer Maria Peluso. “So, the committees decided to place their efforts in rallying the support of the community to pull together a powerful ceremony.”

Hundreds of luminaria bags will line the campus. The event also will include a basket raffle, and cancer survivors will be given special survivor bags, while supplies last.

Visitors will be asked to follow social distancing guidelines and masks will be strongly encouraged.

Event sponsors include UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Giant Eagle, Westmoreland County Community College, Allegheny Health Network, Kenny Ross Automotive, Duncan Financial Group, Courtyard by Marriott, SuperValu, GBU Financial Life, Fryburg Sportsman, Hempfield High School teachers and staff, S&T Bank, PHN Charitable Foundation, Old Joe’s Club and The Primary Health Network.

The American Cancer Society notes that the pandemic has reduced fundraising revenue and forced the organization to take significant cost-saving measures, including cuts to personnel and non-personnel expenses.

Luminaria bags can be purchased until July 27 by visiting relayforlife.org and searching for a local Westmoreland County event by zip code.