As Bluffton prepares for the Bluffton for Hope cancer relay for life fundraiser June 19-20, the downtown will take on a purple look. 

Purple is the color used by the American Cancer Society for Relay for Life events.  Many downtown businesses will show their support with purple shoes displayed on the outside of their shops.

The 2015 Bluffton for Hope relay event will begin at 6.m. on Friday, June 19, held at BFR Sports & Fitness, 215 Snider Road, due to renovations at the Bluffton University stadium. 

After the presentation of colors and welcome by Bluffton mayor, Judy Augsburger, survivors, care givers, and supporting teams will be recognized at 6:15 p.m. 

Community members are invited to show their support by purchasing chicken barbecue dinners ($8 each) or bidding on auction items (sport tickets, decorations, gift certificates, Relay for Life Quilt, hand-painted chairs and home-made pies).

Luminaries may be purchased that night or in advance with a minimum donation of $5 each. The lumniaries will be lighted for the 9 p.m. program honoring victims and survivors of cancer. 

Saturday morning will offer area a 5K Run/Walk in support of cancer research. To participate in the Relay, individuals are asked for a minimum donation of $10 for individuals and families $25.

All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.facebook.com/blufftonrelayforlifeohio or stop by Village Cut and Curl.

Lynda Best is the chairperson for the event.