Relay For Life Holmes County changes venues
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is a life-changing event that helps communities across the globe celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that touches almost everyone in one way or another. In Holmes County the Relay For Life effort is hoping to see growth this year as they move the event to Hiland High School.
“We decided to move to Hiland High School this year to try to grow our Relay For Life event throughout more communities in Holmes County,” said Julia Patterson, Relay for Life Holmes County chairperson. “We also want to educate more people about what the American Cancer Society Relay For Life is and what we do. We will then be rotating between West Holmes High School and Hiland High School every other year for the event.”
Relay For Life of Holmes County saw a decrease in participation in 2011 and hopes the new venue will attract residents from other parts of the county. “Last year we had 16 registered teams,” said Patterson. “Teams are usually made up of eight to 15 members with family and friends joining. Last year’s numbers were down from years past; usually we have 20-22 teams. Our goal is to have 23 teams for 2012. Teams are already starting to form.”
Relay For Life of Holmes County will be held June 22. The event will kick off at 6 p.m. Aside from a few logistical changes due to the new venue, the event will still include the opening ceremony, the Luminaria after dark, the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon for the survivor’s lap, the survivor’s reception and the closing ceremony.
The popular Miss Relay Contest, where men dressed as women collect donations from the crowd, adds humor to the event while raising important dollars that will help aid research. Many other activities will take place throughout the course of the event to honor those lost and to celebrate those who remain to fight for a world free of cancer.
Relay For Life of Holmes County is a family-friendly event and everyone is encouraged to attend. The event is filled with hope, faith, laughter and tears. Anyone interested in forming a team or joining an existing team should contact Patterson at 330-231-0654.
Relay For Life of Holmes County has been an annual event since 1999, and through the years the fundraising goals have steadily increased. Last year, the Relay For Life of Holmes County event raised $81,341.75 with 395 individuals participating.
“We decided to move to Hiland High School this year to try to grow our Relay For Life event throughout more communities in Holmes County,” said Julia Patterson, Relay for Life Holmes County chairperson. “We also want to educate more people about what the American Cancer Society Relay For Life is and what we do. We will then be rotating between West Holmes High School and Hiland High School every other year for the event.”
Relay For Life of Holmes County saw a decrease in participation in 2011 and hopes the new venue will attract residents from other parts of the county. “Last year we had 16 registered teams,” said Patterson. “Teams are usually made up of eight to 15 members with family and friends joining. Last year’s numbers were down from years past; usually we have 20-22 teams. Our goal is to have 23 teams for 2012. Teams are already starting to form.”
Relay For Life of Holmes County will be held June 22. The event will kick off at 6 p.m. Aside from a few logistical changes due to the new venue, the event will still include the opening ceremony, the Luminaria after dark, the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon for the survivor’s lap, the survivor’s reception and the closing ceremony.
The popular Miss Relay Contest, where men dressed as women collect donations from the crowd, adds humor to the event while raising important dollars that will help aid research. Many other activities will take place throughout the course of the event to honor those lost and to celebrate those who remain to fight for a world free of cancer.
Relay For Life of Holmes County is a family-friendly event and everyone is encouraged to attend. The event is filled with hope, faith, laughter and tears. Anyone interested in forming a team or joining an existing team should contact Patterson at 330-231-0654.
Relay For Life of Holmes County has been an annual event since 1999, and through the years the fundraising goals have steadily increased. Last year, the Relay For Life of Holmes County event raised $81,341.75 with 395 individuals participating.
Published: January 19, 2012
