Relay for Life raises over $90,000
The fight against cancer took a big step forward Friday night as Warren County’s second annual Relay for Life raised over $90,000 to combat the dreaded disease.
The signature fundraising event of the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life is the largest cancer-fighting event in the nation. For a 12-hour period spanning Friday night and Saturday morning, hundreds of Warren countians joined tens of thousands across the country in walking laps to raise money for cancer research.
The local event featured around 40 teams representing an array of schools, clubs, businesses, churches and families, all competing to raise the most funds.
In raising funds, the teams employed a number of methods, from food booths to used book sales to hair cutting to sporting challenges. Other fundraisers included a “not so” beauty contest, a karaoke contest and a petting zoo.
With such entertaining fundraisers, as well as the inclusion of a DJ and live entertainment, the event took on a fair-like atmosphere. The fun came to a temporary halt, however, at 10 p.m. At this time all lights were turned off and all movement stopped. The only light emanated from 435 luminarias, or paper bags with candles, circling the track, each representing a cancer victim.
Relay for Life event chair Carole Cathcart said she was pleased that this year’s event raised more money and drew more people than last year’s. She further complemented the generous nature of the community.