Henry & Stark Relay For Life’s main ceremony will be held on Saturday Aug. 23 at Windmont Park in Kewanee. This year Relay commemorates “40 Years of Impact” celebrating the journey that began with Dr. Gordy Klatt’s vision in 1985. His 24-hour marathon around a Tacoma track sparked a global movement, uniting communities to fight back against cancer.
Over the decades, Relay For Life has transformed into a worldwide symbol of hope, remembrance, and collective determination, raising funds and awareness to support the American Cancer Society’s mission. This timeline honors the milestones, the volunteers, the survivors, and every step taken towards ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Locally, luminaries can be purchased at $10 for a bag luminary, $25 for a floating luminary, and $50 for a torch – while supplies last for torches. Luminaries are for purchase until 8 p.m. on Saturday Aug. 23,. For questions and information on how to purchase luminaries contact Marcia Dragolovich, the luminaria chair, at 309-714-4087.
Opening/Survivor ceremony at 6 p.m.
Survivor Lap 6:30 p.m. followed by a survivor reception.
Open walk from 7 to 9 p.m.
Luminary ceremony 9 p.m.
Silent auction enclosed shelter from 4-8 pm
On site at Relay Event-
The Painted Cupcake face painting
Tri-Co Equestrian Center pony rides
Community Food Trucks and Relay Food stands
Bill Good will be playing bag pipes instrumental following the luminary ceremony.
The committee is also looking for survivors to be a part of the event. The ACS considers a person a cancer survivor from the moment of their diagnosis, no matter what type of cancer and no matter how long the treatment. Survivors are welcome to participate and receive an honorary survivor t-shirt. Following the survivor lap, survivors are invited to attend a pizza/cake/punch reception. If you have not already registered and need assistance, please contact Amy Sternes at 309-853-6670
“We would like to express gratitude to anyone in the community that has donated to or supported the Relay For Life. Our shared goal is our commitment to fighting cancer and the hope for a future without the disease.” said Amy Sternes, Henry & Stark Relay for Life co-chair.
The fact is, cancer sees no sex, class, race or sexual orientation. It takes lives indiscriminately, affecting people of every socioeconomic status, said Sternes. The American Cancer Society could not advance the mission without the passionate support of the community.
There are now more ways than ever to join Relay For Life and connect with others in our community impacted by cancer. Every dollar raised fuels the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.
For more information and event updates follow them on Relay For Life of Henry & Stark Counties Facebook page.
