Big changes are planned for the Ninth Annual Montgomery County American Cancer Society Relay for Life, which will be hosted by Wabash College Friday and Saturday, April 15-16. The event will be held in the Knowling Fieldhouse of the Allen Athletics and Recreation Center.
"Last year we were forced to move inside because of thunderstorms," said organizer Ruthanna Williamson. "Wabash offered its indoor fieldhouse and the event came off without a hitch. This year, we’ve decided to keep the event in the Allen Center."
Williamson said the desire to move the timing of the event from July, when the previous eight Montgomery County Relays were held, to April was based on the desire to involve more school-aged kids, church youth groups, sports teams, and the like. The local chapter of the ACS also wanted to involve Wabash College.
"Other counties have their Relays when school is in session, and the kids are not only great fund-raisers, but they love being involved in the event."
Wabash College has joined the fun, too. Members of Beta Theta Pi have sold red and white wristbands that say "Wabash Always" and sell for $3 from any member of the fraternity. Already the men have raised $1500.
"I'm excited to have Wabash students involved this year," said local Relay committee member Jim Amidon. "We've had a handful of guys involved in the past, but this year we have the opportunity to open the event to the entire Wabash campus. What the guys in Alpha Phi Omega and Beta Theta Pi have done is just amazing."
The Ninth Annual Relay for Life will be held from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. April 15-16. Registration will begin at 4:30 p.m. with Opening Ceremonies and the moving Cancer Survivor’s Walk to kick things off at 6 p.m. Entertainment and refreshments are available around the clock, and a silent auction adds to the excitement.
Organizers expect as many as 750 participants and nearly 50 teams to walk at least part of the 12-hour Relay.
The eight previous Montgomery County Relay for Life events have generated more than $250,000. Last year’s event set a record with more than $60,000 generated for cancer research, information, and services.
Relay for Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society across the nation. Millions of people walk in order to raise money to help prevent cancer, save lives, and diminish suffering for those battling cancer.
The single largest fund-raiser for the local chapter of the ACS is from the sale of luminaries. Luminaries can be purchased to remember those lost to cancer, those fighting cancer, and those who have fought cancer and won. The ceremony of light symbolizes the hope and the perseverance it takes to fight cancer.