LIHU‘E — Sam Jacinto of Team Sam Jacinto was thrilled with the 60 golfers who sped off the Puakea Golf Course clubhouse area on Saturday.
More golf carts filled with tournament supporters were poised to roll with refreshments and supplies for special contests peppering the 18 holes at the Team Sam Jacinto’s Relay for Life golf tournament.
“Sixty golfers and 20 teams is not bad for a first tournament,” said Jacinto as he wrapped up the remnants of the shotgun start. “This tournament is dedicated in loving memory of Karen Lumacad, who always had on her bucket list, to hold a golf tournament. She would’ve done this, but she lost her battle against cancer.”
In addition to Lumacad, other memories included Holly Camara and “Kawe” Mahi (whose family contributed the special tents needed for tournament registration and other events surrounding a golf tournament).
Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the American Cancer Society through the annual Relay for Life event on Aug. 17 at the Vidinha soccer fields from 4 to 10 p.m. said Kittin Cade, the American Cancer Society development manager.
Jacinto and Team Sam Jacinto are no strangers to the Kaua‘i Relay for Life, and the tournament is one of the first of many fundraising events to help the event where hundreds of people gather to support cancer survivors and remember those who lost their respective fights against cancer.
The University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center said annually, an average of 7,393 Hawai‘i residents are diagnosed with invasive cancer and 2,393 individuals die from cancer.
The theme for this year’s theme is Knock Cancer Off the Board, and registrants who sign up for the Relay for Life — yes, teams are welcomed, too — are already able to acquire the 2024 version of Relay for Life shirts by registering or donating online at www.relayforlife.org/kauaihi.
Visiting the website also allows people to register and find out more information on the 7th annual Fun Run/Walk family friendly event that will unfold on March 16 at the Po‘ipu Bay Golf Course at 7:30 a.m.
The family friendly race is not timed and covers approximately 2.5 miles on the scenic golf course. Registration — special discount for teams of four, or more, and keiki under 5 years old are free — includes a Bum Run fanny pack, and an event silent auction that include hotel stays in Maui, Waikiki, San Diego, Seattle, and Kaua‘i, restaurant and spa specials, jewelry and more.
The Relay for Life is a global community movement that is more than a walk. The Relay for Life is an opportunity for people to come together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost and fight back against every cancer.
Information: www.relayforlife.org/kauaihi.
