Relay to feature entertainment, raise funds for cancer fight

RUSSELLVILLE — The River Valley Relay for Life, the area’s primary fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, will return this year as it continues longtime traditions and implements some changes during the 2015 event.

The Relay for Life will be held from 5-11 p.m. Saturday at Russellville High School’s Cyclone Stadium. Opening ceremonies are set to begin at 5 p.m., when local dignitaries will be introduced, along with Julie Hodges of Russellville, the honorary chairwoman for this year’s relay.

Following opening ceremonies, all cancer survivors present will walk the traditional survivor lap around the track. After that first lap, members of the Relay for Life teams will walk the track, with at least one member of each team on the track during the entire event.

Leigh Ann Veach, event co-chairwoman, said many of the changes in this year’s relay, such as having a six-hour event instead of a 12- or 24-hour event, and returning to Russellville High School, were suggested by team members participating in last year’s event.

“We are excited to return to the RHS Cyclone Stadium, and we appreciate the Russellville School District’s support,” she said.

Veach said all six hours of the event will be filled with activities and entertainment. Among the entertainment scheduled are local musicians Ryan Harmon, Jeff Mumert and Some Guy Named Robb.

The most solemn portion of the evening, the luminaria ceremony, will begin at 9. White bags, with lights inside, will be lit and will line the track in memory of those lost to cancer, to honor those who have survived or are still battling the disease, and to recognize caregivers.

Closing ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 10:30 p.m.

More than 20 teams have been raising money to meet this year’s goal of $65,000. All proceeds from Relay for Life will go to the American Cancer Society to fund cancer research and services to cancer patients.

Veach said a number of teams will have fundraisers at their campsites, giving those attending the relay a chance to help support the cause, if they have been previously unable to donate to the effort.

Relay for Life got its start in 1985 when a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington, walked for 24 hours to raise money. The following year, several groups joined in, and the relay of today was born. It has since become an international event and has raised nearly $5 billion for the American Cancer Society and its efforts to cure cancer and to provide services for those battling the disease.

“I love being a part of Relay for Life. It’s wonderful to see so many people come out for the same cause,” Veach said.

More information on the local Relay for Life is available on the event’s Facebook page at facebook.com/RelayFor LifeOfPopeandYell and at relayforlife.org/popear.