By Lisa Bicknell
CV&T News Editor
Friday night’s Relay for Life raised $45,000 this year for the fight against cancer. Twenty-four teams signed up to participate, and 19 of them decorated campsites with a Dr. Suess theme.
Photo by Lisa Bicknell
Beginning at 6 p.m., cancer patients of all ages took the track as they walked the survivor lap together.
At 9:15 p.m. there was a special luminaria service honoring those battling cancer and remembering those who have passed on.
April Wilhoit, ACS Community Manager for Relay for Life, was the opening speaker. She is a 12-year cancer survivor.
“Community participation increases each year,” said Rebecca Wolfinbarger, who co-chairs Relay with Ashley Arvin.
Cancer survivors received t-shirts, a rose and a meal, and many door prizes were awarded.
Photo by Lisa Bicknell
There was entertainment all night long for walkers, including singers, cloggers and Zumba.
Ninety cancer survivors registered to participate in the event, down from 100 last year. Luminaria sales were also down slightly, as was the total money raised. The current figure stands at $45,000. Last year, the Relay for Life raised about $50,000.
“We have already started plans for Relay 2015, and the date will be announced in July,” said Wolfinbarger. We are hoping the community will save the date.”
“This is our event, as we continue the fight against cancer,” she said.