St. John Relay for Life Less Than a Month Away

 

Luminary bags to honor survivors or those who have lost their battle to cancer are available to purchase most days at The Marketplace.

The count down is under way!

The American Cancer Society fundraiser Relay for Life is set to kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, February 9, at the Winston Wells ball field.

The event will run all night and wrap up at 10 a.m. on Sunday, February 10.

The major ACS fundraiser of the year, funds from the event will help to ensure that the organization can continue to offer free cancer screenings and more to local residents.

Teams of 16 members each will set up an area around a make-shift track in Winston Wells ball field and settle in for the duration of the night. While the event is not a race, at least one member from each team must be on the track at all times during the night.

Each team member raises at least $100 each, and more if possible, through pledges and the sale of luminary bags. Luminary bags are sold either in memory of someone who has lost their life to cancer or to honor someone who continues to battle the disease.

Luminary bags are $5 each and residents can attach pictures and messages to personalize the bags.

During the Relay for Life, the bags will be placed around the perimeter of the track and lit at dusk. A special survivor’s lap will lead the entire group in attendance around the track for the luminary ceremony.

Bags are for sale on the third floor of The Marketplace on most days.

Ahead of the big day on February 9, volunteers have been busy raising funds, but there is still time to register new teams, explained Loren Abramson, St. John Relay for Life team development chair.

“It’s coming around, but people can still register teams,” said Abramson. “I don’t know the exact number of teams that we have, but I know that we do still have space left.”

Teams are encouraged to register as soon as possible, however, in order for volunteers to order the proper number of T-shirts, Abramson added.

Relay for Life organizers can also still use help from additional volunteers, explained Abramson.

“We could use help selling luminary bags at the gate, collecting donations at the gate, helping the teams to find their spots on the field and more,” she said.

An exciting lineup of entertainment will keep team members going around that track all night long and a special Survivor’s Dinner will be served during the event.

To register a team for the St. John Relay for Life call Abramson at 513-2159 or email lmabramson_@hotmail.com. Teams can also register online at http://www.relayforlife.org/getinvolved/signupvolunteer/index.

See you on the field February 9!