The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Kirkland Relay for Life and Bark for Life event was held on May 20 at Marina Park.

The signature event worked to raise awareness for ACS’s mission to end cancer and raises funds to support cancer patients and families who need various types of support during treatment as well as research grants to local cancer researchers.

Until this year, the Relay had been a traditional overnight event held on the football field at Juanita High School (JHS). This year the Relay changed in several ways with a move to Marina Park and the addition of new event, Bark for Life, with dogs registered to “relay” with their owners. A variety of contests such as longest ears, best costume and agility were held.

Bark for Life was put on by the Futures School at JHS under the leadership of their adviser, Lynn Lawrence. The Futures School is an alternative school option for students.

Lawrence and her students have been active Relay participants for more than three years, working to raise money through bake sales and pancake breakfasts.