SIDNEY — The annual Shelby County Relay for Life is on its way, and with it, a lot of excitement.
The event is set to start on Aug. 4, at 6 p.m., on the Shelby County Fairgrounds. Last year, participants raised $151,468 for the American Cancer Society, exceeding their goal by 21 percent. This year’s goal donation is $157,750, and, as of July 20, $68,506.97 of that goal had been raised by community members.
Bob Schroerlucke, of Sidney, said the number of teams and amount raised was consistent with last year’s numbers.
“We had the same thing last year, where some of the teams came in towards the end of the lead up, and we know of a couple teams who are raising money but haven’t actually registered yet,” he said.
This year’s relay theme is Game Over Cancer, and organizers are encouraging participants to set up game-themed campsites and explore the theme. Schroerlucke says there are several teams with a Monopoly and Life theme already.
Game events are planned throughout the relay, which will last all night before finishing at about 11:30 a.m., Aug. 5. Prizes for best campsite and spirit stick will be awarded, and events are planned throughout the night.
Directly after the opening ceremonies at 6 p.m., participants kick off the relay with the survivor’s lap, followed by a meal provided by Wilson Health and gift packets in the survivors’ tent.
Fun events are planned throughout the night, including:
• A performance by the Sock and Buskin Community Players at 6:45 p.m. on the Center Stage
• The highly anticipated baked goods auction at 7:30 p.m. Goods from this auction have been sold for as much as $800, and Troy Kies will be the auctioneer this year.
• Bingo in the Survivor Tent at 10:30 p.m.
• Family Feud will happen at 11 p.m.
• A lip sync battle among 12 preregistered contestants at midnight.
• Line dancing on the stage at 1 a.m.
• Human Hungry Hungry Hippos at 2 a.m.
• The 5K run/walk begins at 7 a.m.
• An 8 a.m. auction in the beige building. Items range from wooden lawn chairs to Ohio State tickets to a guitar donated by Country Concert and signed by Blake Shelton.
• Parade at 9:30 a.m.
• Road to Recovery Race, where participants circle the track in cardboard “cars” at 10 a.m.
• Closing ceremonies begin at 11:30 a.m.
The reflective and somber luminaria ceremony will take place at 9 p.m. Luminarias can be purchased for $10 each until the ceremony starts, but organizers ask that they be purchased before 8 p.m. so the names can be read aloud during the ceremony.
The ceremony is designed to support, remember and honor those who are currently battling cancer, have died from cancer or are in remission.
“It’s a very touching and meaningful ceremony for those who have a loved one affected by cancer,” Schroerlucke said. “We probably have 2,000 people for the luminaria ceremony. To see people take a moment from having fun and take the time to really remember why we’re there and really be in that moment is pretty incredible. You’ll see family and friends that are hand-in-hand after the ceremony going around the track, and a lot of tears.”
Leading up to the day of the relay, several fundraising events are taking place. Paint the Town Purple, a program that allows businesses to donate in return for having their windows painted to support Relay for Life, started July 17, but businesses can still participate by emailing Megan Williams at [email protected].
All proceeds from the event and prior fundraising go to the American Cancer Society and are used for research or support of other programs that help cancer patients and survivors.
“It’s incredible to see so many people come together for the same purpose: to try and work together to raise money to end cancer,” said Josh Moore, of Dayton, Relay for Life community manager. “Anytime you can get that many passionate people together to work towards an end goal, it’s inspiring.”
Currently, more than $18 million of cancer research grants are funded in Ohio, with an average of about 182 out of 1,000 people dying from cancer in Ohio per year. The American Cancer Society estimates 68,180 people have been diagnosed with cancer in 2017, and 25,430 have died in 2017.
Moore said all in the community are welcome, even if cancer is not a big factor in their lives, and Schoerlucke agreed.
“We really want to thank the community for the support, because we wouldn’t be able to do any of this without them,” Schroerlucke said. “It’s really a fun, laid-back, high-energy event, and it’s never too late to start a team.”
Anyone who has questions can call 492-2191, or visit Relay For Life’s website at relayforlife.org/shelbycounty.
