Individuals and family are encouraged to participate in this year's Bluffton-area Relay for Life.

The event will be held on Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21, at the Bluffton University Salzman Football Stadium. 

Opening ceremony begin at 6 p.m. following the survivor celebration dinner. Individuals and families are invited to walk the track in memory or honor of those battling cancer. The first lap of the evening, at 6:15 p.m. will include area cancer survivors and their caregivers. 

Entertainment, food, children’s games, pie contest, silent auction, decorated “Chair-ity” auction,4x100m Team “Relay for the Relay,” Luminary service, and midnight closing lap will complete the evening’s activities. Saturday morning activities will include a dog walk, breakfast and closing ceremony.

Local cancer survivors are invited to a special dinner beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the stadium.  Reservations are required and are due no later than May 30.  Call Village Cut and Curl (419-296-2790) to make a reservation.

Financial support is still needed to cover the expenses of the Relay and to reach the fundraising goal of $35,000. Sponsorships will cover costs for tents, sound system, and educational materials. 

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 barbecue dinner (provided by Henry’s Restaurant) will be available for $8 each.

This year, the emphasis is less on team participation and more on individual involvement.  Individuals can register to be part of the Relay with a payment of only $10; families can participate with a donation of $25. 

The general public is invited to spend time enjoying the activities as well as walking the track to support cancer research. Teams involved on the Relay planning committee include: • Village Cut and Curl,
• Trinity Lutheran Church (Jenera),
• Bethel Church of Christ,
• Emmanuel United Church of Christ,
• Polished,
• Team Blue and
• The Rack Pack. 

Lynda Best serves as the event coordinator.

For a complete list of activities, click here for visit the Relay's Facebook. or contact Best (419-296-2790). Due to changes within the American Cancer Society, the Bluffton event is an independent event and all proceeds will be presented to the ACS for cancer research and patient support.