By Nyla Smith

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The St. John Professional Fire Fighters Association sponsored a carwash Saturday to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Micheal Heath, president of the fire fighters association, said this was the organization’s kick-off event to raise money for Relay for Life and their first time hosting a carwash.

“The event was an effort to raise money for cancer research,” said Heath. “The day started off slow, but it’s been moving along since then.”

There was no set fee for the carwash, instead the firemen requested monetary donations from motorists for the exterior of their vehicles to be cleaned.

Linda Naquin of Norco is a breast cancer survivor who came out for a car wash.

“They are raising money for a good cause, and I wanted to contribute to the research for a cure for breast cancer,” said Naquin.

Some of the fire fighters’ wives showed their support by holding signs and alerting motorist to the location of the carwash along Airline Highway.

Heath’s wife Karen said the event was both a worthy and personal cause for her.

“It’s a reminder that the disease is very much a part of our lives,” she said. “It has affected some of my loved ones and friends as well.”

Michael Heath said the association’s next fundraiser will be the Professional Fire Fighter’s 2011 calendar. The calendar will be sold Saturday at New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood Restaurant in Laplace.