From left, Isaiah Guth, Chase Johnson, Justin Arruda, Eric Recolisado and Tony Munoz model their bras.

LAHAINA – The recently held American Cancer Society West Maui Relay For Life raised more than $66,000 thanks to support from various Lahaina merchants and greatly appreciated contributions from the community.

Twenty-four teams participated in the 12-hour event. The highlight of the event, in addition to the usual features of the relay, was the decorated bra contest.

Volunteer members from the Maui Fire Department as well as other male volunteers from the audience delighted everyone as they modeled the bras on stage in front of a cheering crowd.

Voting was done by making a dollar donation for the bra of choice. The winning bra was designed by Ron Comeau from The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and modeled by Firefighter Recruit Justin Arruda. Voters donated $249 for the Ritz-Carlton’s entry, and Arruda was crowned “King (Bra)ddah Bling” 2015.

Entertainment was provided by Marissa Maddela with her Zumba exercises, hula and songs by the Lahaina-Honolua Kupuna, Kaniala Masoe, and Al Nip. Auntie Snookie Davis served as emcee.

Ron Comeau (right) designed the winning bra for “King (Bra)ddah Bling” 2015 Justin Arruda.

After-hour games, coordinated by Angela Berkey from The Ritz-Carlton, included tug-of war, three-legged race, and limbo contest.

There were also silent auction items up for bid, and the heart-warming Luminaria ceremony was a sight to see. The track was lit by lighted glow sticks that were held by the participants who, after walking a lap around the track, congregated in front of the stage to remember those lost to cancer, to honor the survivors and caregivers, and to support those fighting the disease.

Honorary Chair Roz Baker led the crowd in the Fight Back ceremony. Breakfast was provided by Neil Hirata and Lahaina Coolers.

Co-chairing this year’s event were Carmen Garcia and Richard “Noosh” Nishihara. They were supported by their steering committee comprised of Baker, honorary chair; Chamille Serrano, accounting; Venus Yi, social media; Brett Satovsky, security; Shannon Nu, Survivors’ Dinner; Angela Berkey, after-hours games; Kalei Silva, silent auction; Daryl Fujiwara, entertainment and sound; Sharon Nohara, publicity, Lori Poaipuni, logistics; Lorene and Audrey Akiona, Luminaria, and Bill Pietsch and Son, photographers.

A big mahalo to the 24 team captains, their team members, the ACS Staff Partners and the sponsors who made it possible to hold the relay.

Relay For Life West Maui 2016 will be held on Saturday, July 16, from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. on Sunday, July 17. Form a team and register online at www.relayforlife.org/westmauihi. For more information, contact Chelsea Katzeman, ACS Staff Partner, at 244-5554.