Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Desert Communities and Orange County raised nearly $10,000 for the American Cancer Society’s 11th Annual Palm Desert “Relay For Life.”

In a 24-hour event on Oct. 3 and 4 at La Quinta High School, approximately 150 Coldwell Banker staff, family and friends raised funds to fight against cancer and promote awareness about cancer prevention and treatment.

Alan Abell and Sue Sheehan, sales associates in the Palm Desert sales office, and Chris Jacobson, a sales associate in the La Quinta office, spearheaded fundraising efforts.

“The Coldwell Banker family firmly believes in the immense value of fundraising and volunteer outreach programs, as well as helping enrich the lives of our entire community,” said Tom Iovenitti, president and chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Desert Communities and Orange County.

“It was the first year our desert offices participated,'' Iovenitti said. " We are proud of our dedicated real estate professionals and employees who consistently maintain this philosophy and lend a helping hand any chance they can.”

Relay For Life takes place in thousands of communities worldwide. The event touches the lives of countless families who have been affected by cancer.

It begins with the “Survivor’s Lap,” in which cancer survivors take a victory turn around a track.

Among them was Rick Jenkins, regional vice president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Desert Communities and Orange County. Diagnosed with lung cancer in 2004, Jenkins has remained cancer-free for the last five years.

“As a survivor, it’s very moving to see so many people devoting their time and energy toward finding a cure,” said Jenkins. “I was so proud of not only Coldwell Banker, but the many other organizations, companies and individuals who gave their time to participate in Relay For Life.”

The event continues as the participants are organized into teams to take turns walking the track for 24 consecutive hours.

Relay For Life brings together more than 3.5 million people worldwide and has raised more than $2 billion since it was first held in 1985.