24-hour Relay For Life raising money for ACS
Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/hl/Lifestyles/24455/
People throughout Siloam Springs are lacing up their sneakers, preparing their campsites and finalizing plans for the Western Benton County Relay for Life.
Beginning at 7 p. m. Friday, survivors, caregivers, family members and other supporters, will spend 24 hours taking part in the event, held on the John Brown University campus.
The relay serves as a public event which raises funds for, and awareness of, the American Cancer Society.
“ It’s about a community coming together to fight cancer, ” explained Lane McLoud, a cancer survivor and member of the local organizing committee. “ Relay time is a time to ‘ celebrate, remember and fight back. ’”
Opening ceremonies for the relay will begin at 7 p. m. on the JBU Quad – the grassy area surrounded by sidewalks between the main buildings on the campus. It will include a time of recognition and medals presented to cancer survivors.
Participants scheduled to take part in the relay include Siloam Springs Mayor M. L. “ Moose” Van Poucke, Jim Huggins, a member of the First United Methodist Church team, and Kristi Salley.
Cyndi Hughes, a May 2008 graduate of Siloam Springs High School, will sing the National Anthem, while Valerie Horn, a teacher at Siloam Springs High School, will provide the special music as cancer survivors begin the first lap of the relay.
Individuals and groups can purchase luminaries in honor or in memory of someone impacted by cancer until 8: 30 p. m. for $ 5 each. Volunteers from Eastgate Church of Christ will fill the luminary bags up to the dedication ceremony slated to begin at 9 p. m.
Throughout the relay, which will continue until 7 a. m., Saturday, a variety of activities have been organized by members of the various teams, including square dance lessons with Bob Loyd, country-western line dancing with Valerie Horn, karaoke with a local DJ, and a “ Miss” Relay pageant.
McLoud said several teams will continue to raise funds throughout the evening by selling items such as glo sticks, tattoos, and food items including candy, popcorn and drinks.
“ The community is invited to attend the relay and show support in fighting cancer, ” McLoud said. “ The atmosphere is fun, family-oriented and inspiring. ” Teamwork
Organizers hope this year’s relay brings in at least $ 50, 000 from the various teams.
“ It has been slow this year as everyone feels the crunch of the economy, ” McLoud said. “ Most teams have had individual fundraisers like silent auctions, meals, bake sales, etc. Donations will be accepted through August and count toward this year’s goal. ”
Teams slated to take part in the relay, representing a large segment of the community, include Allens, Arvest, Christian Life Church, Cobb-Vantress, DaySpring, Decatur State Bank, Franklin Electric, First United Methodist Church, Northside / Allen Elementary Schools, Siloam Springs High School, USA Drug and WalMart. For survivors
At least 50 to 60 cancer survivors and their supporters will gather at 6 p. m. in the Walker Center, on the JBU campus, for the annual Survivor’s Dinner.
The meal, prepared this year by David Graves and Mike Cleveland, will include chicken, baked beans, coleslaw and a dessert.