By NATASHA BRENNEMAN
Staff writer
As the Clarion County Relay for Life approaches, organizers still have their sights set on a major fundraising milestone.
Organizers are working to raise $51,000 this year, which would bring the total amount of money raised to $1 million over the course of the event’s history.
Nikki Carey, community manager for the relay, said there has been a drop from the 17 teams last year, but she remains optimistic about meeting the $51,000 goal.
So far, 10 teams have registered for the 12-hour event to be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 10.
As of Thursday afternoon, the group was closing in on the $21,000 mark, but Carey said fundraising will continue until the end of August.
As a way to help bring attention to the event, area businesses will begin to “Paint the Town Purple” by decorating their storefronts with purple and board game-related decorations.
The event, which will be held at the Clarion University recreation center, is themed “Knock Cancer off the Board.” The relay will feature life-size versions of board games.
Participants will be judged, and the winner of the competition will be given a trophy at the relay.
Carey said the response to the competition last year was “phenomenal.”
The event is open to people of all ages, Carey said. Registration will be open until the day of the relay.
“A team can be two people or 200 people. We really want to encourage the community to participate,” Carey said.
A member of each team must be walking on the track at all times throughout the 12 hours.
Others who aren’t part of a registered team may also attend. There is no fee to participate.
All the teams work to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Some teams do this through financial sponsors who make donations based on the number of laps or miles team members walk. Other teams work all year to raise money through various fundraisers.
The event will feature a survivor’s lap in which people who have survived cancer will be given the opportunity to take a lap around the track in celebration and in honor of their battle.
Caregivers also will be honored with a lap of their own, Carey said.
“We want to make the caretaker’s lap a separate event because a lot of us (survivors) wouldn’t have made it without our caretakers,” she said. “We want to honor what they do and really celebrate them.”
There will be a luminary ceremony to honor those who have been diagnosed or have lost their battle with cancer.
A “dove” release will also take place. Those in attendance will have a chance to purchase a dove balloon to release in honor or memory of a loved one.
“It was very impactful last year,” said Carey.
A concession stand will be available for people to purchase meals, but teams may also take their own food.
Carey encourages the community to attend the event.
“It’s just a fun day full of activity and celebration. People may think it’s somber because it’s about cancer, but it’s not. It’s about people celebrating.” Carry said.
Anyone who wants more information can contact Carey at (724) 834-9081, Ext. 85289, or by email at nikki.carey@cancer.org.