One of the American Cancer Society’s biggest fundraisers of the year is coming to the Fife-Milton-Edgewood community, where teams are already forming to take part in the inaugural Relay for Life on June 15.
A kickoff celebration will take place at Dacca Barn Feb. 4 from 10-11:30 a.m., where interested participants can learn more about how to get involved in the fight against cancer.
The Fife-Milton-Edgewood Relay For Life has a goal of raising at least $50,000. “We believe that with our dedicated, strong-willed community, we can hit this goal,” said event chair Doug Fagundes.
Although each individual team is encouraged to raise around $1,000 or more, there is no specific requirement, and any amount of money raised will help. “We hope to recruit as many people as possible who are willing to get involved and raise some money,” Fagundes said. “People can raise money by holding anything from bake sales to car washes and everything in between.”
The relay will take place for 24 hours June 15-16 at Fife High School, and participants of all ages are welcome. The first lap of the relay honors survivors, and caregivers follow during the second lap of the night. From that point on, each team will have a member represented on the track for the duration of the 24-hour relay. Entertainment, carnival-style events and kid’s activities will also take place throughout the event.
Relay events are held in communities around the nation and were started in Tacoma in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt raised $27,000 and covered 83 miles around the Baker Stadium track at University of Puget Sound. More than a dozen teams walked with him the following year, prompting other communities to follow Klatt’s lead.
All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society, a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.
If the event is successful, organizers hope it becomes an annual event that brings the community together in the name of a good cause.
For more information about how to get involved, “Like” Relay for Life of Fife-Milton-Edgewood on Facebook.
