Relay for Life fundraiser set to return
Event scheduled for June 12 in Norwich; other events planned
Norwich — Like many events, the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life cancer research fundraiser and tribute to cancer survivors was canceled last year, but organizers are holding fundraisers and plan to revive the event with a truncated version this year.
The Southeastern Connecticut Relay for Life will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. — half the usual 24-hour duration — on Saturday, June 12, at the Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium, 14 Stott Ave., Norwich. The event will feature opening ceremonies, a cancer survivors and caregivers walk, luminaria ceremony and closing ceremonies. A luncheon for cancer survivors is planned for June 5 at the Bozrah Moose Lodge, 115 Fitchville Road, Bozrah, a major sponsor for the local Relay for Life.
Organizers hope to raise $100,000 for cancer research through donations, walk team sponsorships and fundraisers.
“We just want to make it special for the survivors this year,” Relay for Life co-chairwoman Nancy Miclette said, “because we didn’t do anything last year. And cancer never stopped during this whole thing, but unfortunately some of the programs stopped because of the COVID.”
Three fundraisers are planned leading up to the Relay for Life event to support the program, the luncheon and gifts for local cancer survivors:
An indoor-outdoor “Shop for a Cause” craft fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at the Bozrah Moose Lodge. Vendor spaces are $30. Interested craft vendors can call (860) 334-1388 or contact Miclette at cakelady0101@yahoo.com.
A community yard sale will be held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 8 at the Lisbon Meadows Park, 39 South Burnham Highway-Route 169, Lisbon. Space is available for $20. Contact Miclette for details.
And a spaghetti supper fundraiser is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. May 23 at the Bozrah Moose Lodge.
“They’ve been one of our biggest supporters,” Miclette said of the Bozrah Moose Lodge.
Relay organizers are seeking cancer survivors to participate in the ceremonies and luncheon. Survivors can sign up at the Relay for Life website, bit.ly/sectrelay21, or in person at one of the upcoming fundraisers.