Last summer's Relay for Life of Zionsville drew 38 teams that raised $130,000 to find a cure for cancer.
This year, "We hope to raise at least $139,000," said Dennis Barrow, chairman of the relay, which will start at 10 a.m. June 19 at Lions Park and wrap up 24 hours later. "We also hope to have 49 teams and we have 35 already, so we're off to a good start.
Advertisement
Relay for Life is a worldwide event. Teams take turns walking or running laps, keeping at least one person on the track every minute of the fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Because it goes through the night, teams set up campsites, and special events and presentations celebrate survivors and remember people lost to cancer.
This is the sixth consecutive year for Zionsville to host a relay, raising nearly $500,000 combined, Barrow said. The theme is Cancer Is No Holiday, and teams can decorate campsites with a holiday theme. The team with the most festive site wins a prize.
Additionally, this year's Relay for Life will have a Christian rock band performing, a bagpiper to kick off the lighting of the luminarias and activities for children.
The Stonegate Elementary School team has worked to get not only kids but also adults involved in raising money.
Teacher Terri Clayton said this is the school's third year to host a mini-relay, also known as Once Upon a Cure. Clayton said it's taken the place of the annual field day and will be May 22. Activity booths, music and fun are planned for the event with a Dr. Seuss theme.
She said students are asked -- but not required -- to gather monetary pledges for the luminarias that are placed along the walking path the day of the mini-relay. Last year, students raised about $6,000, and with the pledges the Stonegate Relay for Life team acquired, $10,000 went to the American Cancer Society. This year's goal is to raise another $10,000.
"It's a great way to rally the kids and teach them about philanthropy," Clayton said. "They always have a great time and learn a lot."
No comments:
Post a Comment