by Dennis Dalman
A Relay for Life of Central Minnesota event by and for cancer survivors, their families and friends is set for 3-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Sartell Community Center.
This year’s Relay for Life theme is “Every Stop Brings Hope.”
It is the third time the event has happened at Sartell Community Center for a walk on its outdoor paths around Lake Francis and for music and lots of fun activities for all ages. There will be a food truck on the premises, a deejay with music and kids’ fun activities.
Teri Mathews, a Relay for Life volunteer who lives in St. Stephen, helped coordinate the event. She is one of four people serving on the event’s committee.
Mathews noted when the COVID-19 virus struck in early 2020, the American Cancer Society’s building in St. Cloud had to close down. That is when community volunteers took charge of the Relay for Life event to ensure it continues every year.
“We’re doing everything we can to support cancer survivors and to get information out about preventative care,” she told the Newsleaders.
Here is the line-up for the Sept. 23 event:
3 p.m. Event starts with opening ceremony at 4 p.m. followed by various walking laps (survivor lap, bubble lap, team lap). Starting at 5:30 p.m., the sale of “Messages to Heaven” balloons will begin with a balloon release set for 6 p.m.
At 7 p.m. another fundraising “S’mores” lap will take place. At 8 p.m. luminaries along the walking paths will be lit, and at 8:30 p.m. a light-up lap will start, followed by a dance party at 9 p.m.
A closing ceremony with door-prize drawings will begin at 10 p.m.
The fundraising goal for this year is $110,000, and so far nearly $95,000 has been raised. To donate and to find out more about the Central Minnesota Relay for Life in Sartell, visit “Relay for Life of Central Minnesota” and hit the “Donate” button.
A Relay for Life of Central Minnesota event by and for cancer survivors, their families and friends is set for 3-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Sartell Community Center.
