Local organizers of the annual Relay for Life event are looking for teams and talent.
The Relay for Life will run from 2 p.m. to midnight on June 12 at Smokey Bear Park.
The event is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, but it also brings community members together to support those undergoing cancer treatment or grieving for a lost loved one.
“It is a great event to find out about local citizens who are facing this monumental struggle for life, and meet people who are active in supporting research for cancer prevention and hopefully eradication,” said Emily Whitbeck, entertainment and events coordinator for the local relay.
The Relay for Life includes a relay walk, where teams who have received donations will keep one member walking the track during the 10-hour event. Entertainment will be provided by local talent. Teams will also set up food booths and events throughout the afternoon and into the night.
“The community can get involved in many ways, from donations to participation, purchasing luminary bags for the luminary ceremony, to creating a team, donate to an existing team, or to just join us at the event on June 12,” said Laurie Humbert, Koochiching County Relay for Life chair. “It can be as big or as small as you choose, you don’t have to raise big money to be involved, every little bit helps.”
Teams can sign up to walk in the relay until the date of the event, but in order to secure size and quantity of t-shirts, teams need to sign up by Friday. Those interested in starting a team may call Humbert at 285-3404 for team packets. There is no age limit for teams, but all children must be accompanied by an adult. The Relay for Life requests a $150 minimum team donation to be part.
The relay will be led by cancer survivors. Citizens of Koochiching County who have/had cancer will be announced, and will receive a special shirt and gift from the American Cancer Society and walk the track in honor. Cancer survivors who would like to walk at the event can contact Humbert or other members of the Relay committee.
New this year will be entertainment in the park’s band shell from 4-7 p.m. Bands, poets, comedians, acoustic, single artists, dancers, and other entertainers are welcome. Whitbeck explained that they are open to all forms of family-friendly entertainment.
“There is an immense amount of talent in this little border town – and I’m hoping they call me up and want to perform at this fundraising event,” Whitbeck said.
Those interested in participating in the entertainment portion of the event can e-mail Whitbeck at ifallstalent@yahoo.com or call 324-0214. The deadline to participate is May 16.
For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/koochichingmn. On that Web site, visitors can track each relay member’s donations, get involved, and learn more about the Relay for Life.
