Following the announcement from the American Cancer Society that they would no longer include Bluffton as an official Relay for Life event, a local planning committee chose to develop an independent event.  In an effort to control administrative costs, the American Cancer Society of Northwest Ohio has chosen to consolidate Relay for Life events into large county-wide programs. The Bluffton planning committee voted to continue the annual summer event as a third-party event in support of cancer research.

The independent status “has allowed us the freedom to include activities that fit our community and to set the time schedule that will support the event,” stated local Relay chair Lynda Best. The schedule of events will include popular parts to the Relay, such as survivor dinner, opening ceremony, challenge laps, pie and silent auctions, entertainment and closing ceremony.  A midnight walking lap has been added to close out the Friday night activities. Saturday morning activities will include a breakfast, dog walk and closing ceremony. A complete schedule of events is available on the Relay Facebook page: www.facebook.com/blufftonarearelayforlifeohio.

Seven local teams and numerous sponsors are supporting the Bluffton event. Additional donations (in kind or actual) from area businesses and individuals are welcomed. Gifts may be forwarded to Chad Greiser at the Bluffton Chase bank office.

Tickets are now on sale for a Chicken BBQ dinner to be held at the June 20 event. Luminary orders can be made in advance for $5 each; luminaries will line the track during the remembrance service at 9 p.m. Teams are invited to participate in the Relay for the Relay 4x100m race beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Individuals and families may make a donation of $10 or $20 to support the event and raise money for cancer research.

For more information, contact Lynda Best, event chair, at 419-358-7593.