Celebrate, remember, fight back at one of several Relay For Life events
By Kyle Valentini
May 8, 2013
326
Summary: Late spring means it is time for Relay For Life with events taking place all over the region. The popular event raises funds for the American cancer Society.
The time when individuals and teams from all over the nation gather in their communities for the annual organized, overnight fundraising walk to benefit the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life is upon us with participants in Holmes, Tuscarawas and Wayne Counties gearing up for the popular event that has become synonymous with hope for so many people whose lives have been affected by cancer.
Each event is unique and takes a host of dedicated volunteers to be successful. Relay for Life of Northern Tuscarawas County will take place May 31 at Strasburgs Franklin Park at 358 Fifth St. SW in the village. 40 teams and 391 participants have already raised more than $53,000 thus far with more fundraising events leading up to the event.
Top participants include Robin Mackey who has raised more than $1700 and continues to add to that each week as a member of Team Geib of Dover and New Philadelphia. Dover City Schools brought in more than $6500 with nearly $3900 of that coming from the Dover Girls Soccer Kicks for a Cure Game making them the top team in the county.
In an effort to recognize survivors Holmes County Relay For Life invites them to Hotel Millersburgs Buckeye Room on June 7 with a Survivor Dinner Open House scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Opening ceremonies for Relay For Life Holmes County begin June 14 with an energetic kickoff at 6 p.m. at West Holmes High School. Currently 16 teams and 137 participants have raised more than $15,000
A 5k race begins the following morning at the high school and gets underway at 9 a.m. Contact Julia at 330-231-0654 or relaywebbie@gmail.com for registration information.
On June 7 Relay for Life of Wooster opening ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. at Wooster High School at 515 Oldman Rd. Now in its 16th year, Wooster participants have raised more than $3 million dollars in that time. In 2012, 50 teams raised over $200,000 to benefit the American Cancer Society.
The Planning Committee for the 2013 American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Wooster is on target, said event chairperson Kathleen Sparr. We have a lot of fun, family-friendly activities scheduled throughout our 18 hour event. We have the Second Annual Relay for Life Car show scheduled for Saturday, June 8th, from 8:30 a.m.to 11:30a.m. and we need cars. You can get more information at relayactivities@yahoo.com.
It is not too late to form a new team. To register a team you will need a team name, a team captain, and a $100 commitment fee, said Sparr. You can register a new team by going to www.relayforlife.org/wooster.
If you do not have access to a computer for online registration, you may register in person at our next Team Information Meeting on May 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Central Christian Church located at 407 N. Market St., Wooster, said Sparr. Interested persons may also register teams and/or participants on June 7, the day of the event at 5 p.m.at Wooster High Schools Follis Field.
Wooster Relay For Life already has 49 teams and 775 participants who have raised more than $85,700 to date.
Residents of southern Tuscarawas County have raised more than $8000 and expect an excellent turnout when Relay For Life Newcomerstown holds their event on June 14 with opening ceremonies beginning at 6 p.m. at Lee Stadium 659 Beaver St., Newcomerstown.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that encourages participation from anyone who has been touched by cancer.
For more information about these or other upcoming Relay For Life events visit http://www.cancer.org/involved/participate/relayforlife/ or call 1-800-227-2345.
