Saddle Up, Hilo! PuroClean of The Big Island Rides Again at the 33rd Annual Relay for Life

In The Community

Hot off the hoopla, PuroClean of The Big Island charged into Hilo’s 33rd annual Relay for Life this past Saturday, July 19, 2025, blazing in like a posse of cancer-fighting paniolo! This year’s western-themed showdown had teams digging into creativity, but none rocked that cowboy spirit quite like Team PuroClean. Horseshoes, cowboy hats, boots, and grit—these local heroes built a boot‑stompin’ booth that rustled up donations faster than a galloping mustang.

🎯 What Is Relay for Life?

Nice ‘n’ steady—it’s time to describe the beast! Relay for Life is the signature community fundraiser of the American Cancer Society.

Survivor Lap with Kim & Greg, PuroClean of The Big Island

It’s a 5–10 PM walking relay, where teams tag each other around the track to symbolize that “cancer never sleeps.” The event unfolds like this: a heartfelt Survivor and Caregiver Lap to kick things off, carnival-style booths, live entertainment, food trucks, games, all culminate in the iconic Luminaria Ceremony and “Fight Back” pledge. It’s a night to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones, and fund life-saving support and research at the local level.

💰 Big Island Dollars—and Hearts—Raised in 2024

Last year, at the 32nd annual Relay, 71 teams rallied, smashing fundraising goals and raising a whopping $218,605 to support island cancer fighters Big Island Now. That money goes to ACS programs like free rides to treatment, lodging at Hope Lodge, information hotlines, and critical research aid.

🌵 Why Relay Truly Matters: Honoring Fighters & Supporters

This event is more than tents and t-shirts—it’s a powerful circle of aloha. Cancer survivors start the Survivor Lap, cheered on by caregivers who’ve shouldered emotional and physical challenges. The shared energy is electric—all eyes on them, voices cheering, hands held. Every step says, “We’ve got you.” Every dollar raised ensures someone facing cancer tomorrow won’t face it alone. It’s the embodiment of community resilience and hope.

❤️ From the Heartstones: PuroClean’s Survivor-Inspired Leadership

PuroClean of The Big Island’s involvement isn’t just corporate goodwill—it’s personal fire. VP of Operations Gregory Arianoff, a 10-year cancer survivor, and his wife Kimberly, two years into remission, live this cause every day. Their journey fuels their passion—they’ve poured their hearts (and cowboy boots) into empowering fellow survivors and caregivers. Their presence isn’t symbolic—it’s a battle cry. And this year’s paniolo theme? A perfect backdrop to gallop forward with fierce community spirit PuroClean.

Survivor Kimberly Arianoff, Employee Experience Manager, and Caretaker Yaeko Oxana, Administrative Services Specialist at the Survivor lunch

🩰 OLTernate: Singing & Dancing with Aloha

Taking center stage twice was OLTernate, a dynamic quintet of five girls—three singers and two dancers. They lit up both the Survivor Lunch and the main Fight Back Ceremony with high-energy performances. Leading the charge is Olga Lehua, PuroClean of The Big Island’s Administrative Services Specialist superstar, whose lively vocals and choreography brought tears, cheers, and unstoppable smiles. Their stage presence wasn’t just entertainment—it was a sonic embrace of hope and determination.

Gregory Arianoff, VP of Operations, PuroClean of The Big Island, with the group OLTernate

🌾 Paniolo Power: Booth Builds & Western Gear

Unique to the 33rd annual Relay, this year’s western theme unleashed the paniolo in everyone. PuroClean of The Big Island’s crew dove in, hammer and nails in hand, building a show-stopping booth decked out in ranch-style flair. The whole team strutted around in their western gear—Wanted posters, Stetsons, denim and boot—spreading smiles, raising donations, and turning heads. It wasn’t just fundraising—it was a rollicking, western-style celebration of resilience.

Lead Tech, Shawn Nobriga & Ky

🛠️ PuroClean of The Big Island: Restoration Leaders by Day, Community Champions by Night

By day, PuroClean of The Big Island is the go-to restoration expert—restoring homes after water, fire, mold, or biohazard damage. Their crew is fast, professional, and deeply rooted in local aloha. When disaster strikes, they answer the call—and when cancer strikes, they answer that, too. Their commitment to both home and heart makes them true leaders in service and stewardship.

🔥 Bringing It Home

  • 2025 Relay (July 19): Paniolo theme, western booth and booth-crews.
  • 2024 Dollars Raised: $218,605 from 71 powerful teams, waiting on the 2025 numbers.
  • OLTernate Performance: Five girls, two dancers, three fierce vocals—led by Olga Lehua.
  • Survivor Owners: Gregory & Kimberly—restoration pros, cancer conquerors.
  • Restoration Focus: Trusted island experts restoring homes and hope.
OLTernate left to right: Jasie, Tati, Olga Lehua, Lyla, and Kaluhea

🤠 Looking Ahead: Save the Date for 2026!

As the Luminaria lit the night and the last songs echoed through Francis Wong Stadium, Relay’s call once again roared: Cancer, we’re coming for you! PuroClean of The Big Island’s blend of survivor spirit, community grit, live stage performance, and restoration excellence brought the paniolo theme to life—and raised money and hope in bundles.

So next year, gather your crew, and ride in with your heart wide open. PuroClean of The Big Island is on the Move!

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