Apple Valley Relay For Life kickoff rally is March 13
Participants greet each other prior to the opening lap of the 2010 Apple Valley Relay For Life at Eastview High School. This year’s Relay For Life will be held in July at Apple Valley’s Quarry Point Park. (File photo)
The fight against cancer lasts all night long during the Apple Valley Relay For Life.
This year the event will see participants walking and running through the night and into the morning at Quarry Point Park as a benefit for the American Cancer Society.
While the relay itself isn’t until July 19, local organizers are inviting interested volunteers and relay participants to a kickoff rally at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at the Apple Valley Community Center.
A fundraiser and a way to spread encouragement for those who’ve endured or are currently battling cancer, the relay raises money through team commitment fees and individual donation goals secured from family, friends and businesses.
Relay For Life grew from an idea of Dr. Gordon Klatt, who in 1985 ran and walked 24 hours on a track in Tacoma, Wash., traveling 81 miles and raising $27,000 for the American Cancer society.
From there, Relay For Life was born and is now held nationwide. The money raised helps support American Cancer society programs in research, education and advocacy.
“When you think about all the lives cancer has touched, and the impact it has on our community, the relay is a way to get involved and help with the great work the American Cancer Society does,” said Adam Johnson, Apple Valley relay co-chair.
During the Apple Valley relay, there is music, food, entertainment and other activities throughout the night, and a “tent city” is created in the park where team members rest and regroup between running and walking sessions. Cancer survivors from around the community are invited to take part in the “survivors lap” that opens the relay, and a candlelight ceremony at dusk pays tribute to those who have been affected by the disease.
The Apple Valley Relay For Life is seeking donations of time, silent auction items and money from individuals and local businesses.
Businesses that wish to donate silent auction items can contact Johnson at arjohnson10@stthomas.edu.
Those unable to attend the kickoff rally but wish to register a team for the event or make a donation can visit www.relayforlife.org/applevalleymn.
