Bluffton’s local Relay for Life event will be held on Friday, June 19, and continue through Saturday morning.
The Relay for Hope will move to BFR Sports and Fitness, 215 Snider Road, due to field renovations at Bluffton University. The Bluffton Relay for Hope is an independent event supporting the American Cancer Society. Individuals can register to be part of the Relay with a payment of only $10; families can participate with a donation of $25.
The schedule of events includes a special meal for survivors and caregivers, opening and closing ceremonies, entertainment, walking, auctions, food sales and a 5K Run. The general public is encouraged to support this fundraiser through sponsorships, team involvement and participation.
Teams
Teams currently involved in the planning include: Village Cut and Curl, Trinity Lutheran Church (Jenera), Bethel Church of Christ, Emmanuel United Church of Christ, English Lutheran Church, Polished, The Rack Pack. Lynda Best (Village Cut and Curl) serves as the event coordinator.
Local cancer survivors are invited to a special dinner beginning 5 p.m. at the BFR. Reservations are now being accepted and are due no later than May 30. Call Village Cut and Curl (419-296-2790) to make a reservation.
Opening ceremony
Opening ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. Bluffton’s Mayor, Judy Augsburger will speak and military colors will be presented. The first lap of the evening, beginning at 6:15 p.m. will include area cancer survivors, their caregivers and area teams supporting the Relay for Hope.
A pie auction will begin at 7:45 p.m. A chair-ity silent auction and Trinity’s silent auction items will be on display from 5-11 p.m. The Luminary service will begin at 9 p.m. with music provided by the Bethel Church Praise Band and luminaries lighted for cancer survivors or in memory of victims.
5-K Race
A 5K Run for Hope will be offered on Saturday, June 20; the course will start and finish at the BFR, 215 Snider Road. Advance registration is available online at www.active.com or by completing a registration form at Village Cut and Curl or Polished.
Registration fee is $20 (by June 5) and includes a T-shirt; the fee increases to $25 after June 5. Runners can register beginning at 7:30 a.m. with the race starting at 8:30 a.m..
Financial support is still needed to cover the expenses of the Relay for Hope and to reach the fundraising goal of $20,000. Sponsorships will cover costs for tents and sound system; contact Chad Greiser at Chase Bank for information.
Individuals can support the event by donating items for the silent auction, home-baked pies for the auction, and volunteering their artistic abilities for decorating chairs. Purchase luminaries (that surround the walking track) for just $5 each. Tickets for the Chicken BBQ dinner (provided by Henry’s Restaurant) will be available for $8 each.
For a complete list of activities, visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/blufftonrelayforlifeohio or contact Lynda Best (419-296-2790)
