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Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s nationwide signature event to strengthen communities, raise funds and allow people to show their support in the fight against cancer. Every Relay is a community-developed event that is volunteer-driven and coached by an American Cancer Society staff. The event is a celebration of life for cancer survivors, a memorial for loved ones lost and a rallying point for the community to fight cancer. Teams from businesses, clubs, schools, churches, families, friends and service organizations assist in raising money for the American Cancer Society programs in education, research, advocacy and patient services.
Last year’s Belton-area Relay for Life raised $80,000 overall. This year, the CTCOG participated as a corporate sponsor. The team’s theme was “Ride the Cause, Rope the Cure”, and 10 staff members and their families generously donated their time and resources to help raise money.
The Relay for Life event was held at the Belton High School football stadium from 7 p.m. Saturday, October 5th to 7 a.m. Sunday, October 6th. Teams camped out and manned fundraisers ranging from raffles and games to concession stands and silent auctions. Hundreds of community members came to enjoy the fun and support the cause.
The evening began with a celebratory “Survivor Lap” and, throughout the night, team members walked the track or rocked in rocking chairs in shifts, in honor of loved ones affected by cancer. The evening was marked with fun and fellowship – there was a stick horse race, a “Miss-ter” beauty pageant, and a pajama contest, among the many activities. At 10 p.m., the stadium lights were shut off, and hundreds of luminaries purchased in memory of those lost, and in celebration of those fighting or having fought cancer were lit. In the bleachers, the word “hope” was spelled out in lights. The event ended with an early morning church service on the field.
The CTCOG team was able to raise $1700, which will go toward American Cancer Society programs. CTCOG is very proud of its Relay for Life participants and contributors, and has committed to sponsoring a team again next year!
Danielle Caskey
Assistant to the Executive Director
Central Texas Council of Governments
254-770-2235
dcaskey@ctcog.org