The 2014 Relay For Life of Polk County celebration was held May 30th. Because of rain we had to move Relay from our local park to the Christian Motorcycle Association Iron Mountain facilities. The 40,000 square foot facility provide an excellent place to hold an event of this size indoors.
The event began with a Survivor Lap - our local cancer survivors circling the track while they were cheered on by the crowd.
During the evening each of the fifteen local Relay For Life teams had a booth with food and activities for everyone. There was entertainment and a talent show. Each of the teams had at least one walker on the track at all times. Our team had a jail and the local sheriff deputies arrested people and placed them in the jail. Of course someone paid to have my wife and I arrested.
Out team theme was Minions Working for a Cure. We dressed in Yellow Minion T-shirts and Minion goggles.
As it gets dark, the attention of the Relay turns to remembering loved ones lost to cancer and honoring those battling the disease through the luminaria bags lining the track. Relay For Life participants and donors dedicate the luminaria bags to those who are special to them. As people quietly circle the track, each of the names is read. They are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, coworkers, and so many others.
After the Luminaria Ceremony, the Relay team participants are ready to stay up all night. Relay For Life events last all night because cancer never sleeps. Throughout the night each team had at least one participant on the track at all times. There were many activities to keep everyone entertained through the night, including karaoke, a dance contest, 3 on 3 basketball, line dancing, Zumba and tug of war.
Relay For Life is a community event. Every person in Polk County who has been touched by cancer benefits from the research funded through the money raised by these dedicated volunteers of Relay For Life of Polk County. Seeing the community stand together in our fight against cancer at Relay For Life is something special. Over 6,500 dollars was raised at the event bringing the total raised so far this year to over 54,000.00
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That looks like a nice day you guys had to raise funds for cancer. Brightening peoples spirits is always a good thing.
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