Survivors, supporters, and the families and friends of cancer patients who may have lost the battle are invited to attend the 2009 Audrain County Relay for Life.
This year's annual event begins at 6 p.m. Friday at the Mexico Middle School, and ends at daybreak Saturday morning. Some 36 teams have already signed up, with a host of activities that mirror the theme: "Walk Back to the ’80s: Celebrating 25 years of Hope."
Special entertainment has been booked, and activities have been planned, to make this year's overnight event more memorable than the last – with a goal of $142,500.
"Relay for Life is an important event that involves a huge amount of fundraising for the American Cancer Society, and this year, we've got a lot of fun things planned," said Kenny Wyss, this year's co-chairman. This is the sixth year he and his wife Amanda have been involved with the local Relay, “and each year, it just keeps getting better,” he said.
"We've got a lot of great things going on. So, come on out and help the teams by purchasing food, drinks and souvenirs. Any and everything you could imagine will be there."
The Local Boy Scout Troop 57 will open the ceremony with the presentation of Colors, and the traditional lighting of the torch will be conducted by cancer survivor Joyce Weiser, who is also an active committee member. Melissa Roberts will be the survivor speaker.
According to survivor sub-committee chairman Barb Gregory, 250 survivors – including her and her husband – have already signed up for the survivor and caregiver laps, which is one full lap around the MMS track. Gregory is hoping to draw more participation. Those who may not want to physically participate are still urged to place their name on the roster.
"Having your name on the list not only lets the community know that we still have a vast number of survivors out there, but it's also a positive sign that our efforts in the fight against cancer are working," Gregory said. Those interested can contact Gregory, or sign up on the night of the event. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m.
Theme laps for the teams will also occur throughout the evening and include: a three-legged lap; a Why we Relay lap; a funny necktie lap; a jump rope lap; a red light, green light lap; a walk backwards lap; a PJ lap; and finally a Simon Says lap.
An ’80s Fashion Show, ’80s trivia contest, an ’80s dance-off, a talent show and various games are also scheduled.
"We try to do different varieties each year to keep the teams motivated and moving throughout the whole event," Wyss said. One of the more popular events, the Queen of Relays, has been retired, but Wyss said, don't fret, because more fun is in store.
Several local and area bands have also signed on this year, with a lineup including the Columbia group Fokus that plays a mixture of all types of music; the rock band Mezmer; the Rocking Chairs, featuring local musicians Gary Bates and Kent Pollman; and solo performer Jim Graham.
"Joe Day has done a good job this year lining up the bands," Wyss lauded. "We've always had good participation in the past, and are glad to have as many artists as we do.
"The whole reason for the entertainment is to keep the teams moving and motivated all night long."
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature activity, designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for ACS research and programs. Teams of people camp out and take turns walking and running around a track. During the event, each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times.
"The event offers everyone in the community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer, and have fun at the same time," Wyss said.
Participating in the Relay can also be done by purchasing a luminary – which are lit to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer and have lived to tell their stories. Others are in remembrance of loved ones who have lost the battle to cancer.
The Audrain Relay for Life luminaria will be lit during a ceremony that will start at 9:30 p.m., with songs performed by newcomer Richards Boyce. As of Tuesday night, 1,200 luminaria had been sold for this year's Relay event, according to co-chair Diane Malone.
The Audrain County Relay for Life was recognized two years ago for having the most participants per capita in their region. Last year, they raised $139K, and looks to raise $140K-plus this year.
"Audrain County is a huge relay, and has always performed really well," Wyss said. With the money, time and energy spent on relays each year, he said, a cure for cancer is sure to happen soon.
For more information contact Ken Wyss at (573) 253-5697, Amanda Wyss at (573) 253-5486, or the American Cancer Society at (573) 443-0979 and ask for Lyndsey Hodges.
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Survivors, supporters, and the families and friends of cancer patients who may have lost the battle are invited to attend the 2009 Audrain County Relay for Life.
This year's annual event begins at 6 p.m. Friday at the Mexico Middle School, and ends at daybreak Saturday morning. Some 36 teams have already signed up, with a host of activities that mirror the theme: "Walk Back to the ’80s: Celebrating 25 years of Hope."
Special entertainment has been booked, and activities have been planned, to make this year's overnight event more memorable than the last – with a goal of $142,500.
"Relay for Life is an important event that involves a huge amount of fundraising for the American Cancer Society, and this year, we've got a lot of fun things planned," said Kenny Wyss, this year's co-chairman. This is the sixth year he and his wife Amanda have been involved with the local Relay, “and each year, it just keeps getting better,” he said.
"We've got a lot of great things going on. So, come on out and help the teams by purchasing food, drinks and souvenirs. Any and everything you could imagine will be there."
The Local Boy Scout Troop 57 will open the ceremony with the presentation of Colors, and the traditional lighting of the torch will be conducted by cancer survivor Joyce Weiser, who is also an active committee member. Melissa Roberts will be the survivor speaker.
According to survivor sub-committee chairman Barb Gregory, 250 survivors – including her and her husband – have already signed up for the survivor and caregiver laps, which is one full lap around the MMS track. Gregory is hoping to draw more participation. Those who may not want to physically participate are still urged to place their name on the roster.
"Having your name on the list not only lets the community know that we still have a vast number of survivors out there, but it's also a positive sign that our efforts in the fight against cancer are working," Gregory said. Those interested can contact Gregory, or sign up on the night of the event. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m.
Theme laps for the teams will also occur throughout the evening and include: a three-legged lap; a Why we Relay lap; a funny necktie lap; a jump rope lap; a red light, green light lap; a walk backwards lap; a PJ lap; and finally a Simon Says lap.
An ’80s Fashion Show, ’80s trivia contest, an ’80s dance-off, a talent show and various games are also scheduled.
"We try to do different varieties each year to keep the teams motivated and moving throughout the whole event," Wyss said. One of the more popular events, the Queen of Relays, has been retired, but Wyss said, don't fret, because more fun is in store.
Several local and area bands have also signed on this year, with a lineup including the Columbia group Fokus that plays a mixture of all types of music; the rock band Mezmer; the Rocking Chairs, featuring local musicians Gary Bates and Kent Pollman; and solo performer Jim Graham.
"Joe Day has done a good job this year lining up the bands," Wyss lauded. "We've always had good participation in the past, and are glad to have as many artists as we do.
"The whole reason for the entertainment is to keep the teams moving and motivated all night long."
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature activity, designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for ACS research and programs. Teams of people camp out and take turns walking and running around a track. During the event, each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times.
"The event offers everyone in the community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer, and have fun at the same time," Wyss said.
Participating in the Relay can also be done by purchasing a luminary – which are lit to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer and have lived to tell their stories. Others are in remembrance of loved ones who have lost the battle to cancer.
The Audrain Relay for Life luminaria will be lit during a ceremony that will start at 9:30 p.m., with songs performed by newcomer Richards Boyce. As of Tuesday night, 1,200 luminaria had been sold for this year's Relay event, according to co-chair Diane Malone.
The Audrain County Relay for Life was recognized two years ago for having the most participants per capita in their region. Last year, they raised $139K, and looks to raise $140K-plus this year.
"Audrain County is a huge relay, and has always performed really well," Wyss said. With the money, time and energy spent on relays each year, he said, a cure for cancer is sure to happen soon.
For more information contact Ken Wyss at (573) 253-5697, Amanda Wyss at (573) 253-5486, or the American Cancer Society at (573) 443-0979 and ask for Lyndsey Hodges.
