Thousands Lace Up In O.C. For Walk To Raise Funds In Fight Against Breast Cancer

COSTA MESA (CBSLA.com) — About 10,000 people were taking part in a walk in Costa Mesa to raise funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk was scheduled to get underway at 8 a.m. Sunday at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

The event, now in its seventh year, is being emceed by Michele Gile, a reporter for CBS2/KCAL9.

Members of the event's flagship sponsor – Kia Motors America, Inc. – were also in attendance at the walk, and participating.

Michele Cameron, the director of Consumer Affairs for Kia Motors America, Inc., explained that the company wanted its team members to decide which cause its charitable grant would go toward.

"By popular vote, the American Cancer Society has been the number one vote-getter for two years in a row, and that's how we came to be the flagship sponsor," she said.

Envise, an environmental firm in Orange County, was also in attendance, and had raised about $110,000 for the cause.

"It's honor first of all to be here representing Envise at this great event," said Payman Farrokhyar. "I'm honored to be one of the real men of Orange County wearing pink this month."

CBS2/KCAL9 has served as the proud media sponsor of the event for years.