They wore bright red shirts as they made their way around the track at Switzerland County High School on Friday evening. Some carried banners. Others moved slowly with the assistance from loved ones. No matter the speed, all are warriors in the battle against cancer.
Friday night, Switzerland County held its fifth annual “Relay for Life” event to raise money for cancer research, and although the attendance was smaller than in past years, those who did attend spent time enjoying the activities and fellowshipping with friends.
The evening kicked off with the official opening ceremonies, as Maggie Eich sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” with veteran Richard Adams presenting the American Flag. Pastor Roy Duckworth gave the invocation.
They wore bright red shirts as they made their way around the track at Switzerland County High School on Friday evening. Some carried banners. Others moved slowly with the assistance from loved ones. No matter the speed, all are warriors in the battle against cancer.
Friday night, Switzerland County held its fifth annual “Relay for Life” event to raise money for cancer research, and although the attendance was smaller than in past years, those who did attend spent time enjoying the activities and fellowshipping with friends.
The evening kicked off with the official opening ceremonies, as Maggie Eich sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” with veteran Richard Adams presenting the American Flag. Pastor Roy Duckworth gave the invocation.
The event began with the traditional “Survivors Lap”, with cancer victims and those who have survived cancer walking the first lap around the track to the applause of those in attendance.
Once that lap was completed, walkers from the teams joined in and began their journey.
Cancer survivors were treated to a dinner in the cafeteria to honor them for their fight.
Events taking place during the evening included an auction, where people had the chance to bid on everything from quilts to tickets to the Memphis, Tennessee zoo. All of the proceeds from the auction were added into the county’s total.
At 9:30 p.m. Friday night the area was darkened for the traditional Luminary Service. More than 500 luminaries were purchased for the program, either in honor of those fighting cancer or in memory of those who had lost the battle.
All of the buckets circled the track, and volunteers moved quickly to light each candle. The names of those people who had luminaries purchased in their honor were read over a loud speaker by Dr. Robert Findley, John Keeton, and Pat Lanman.
There was plenty of food available thanks to the generosity of the Vevay-Switzerland County Lions Club. The club grilled sandwiches and had drinks available — with all of the proceeds going to the “Relay for Life” event.
The event was supposed to continue through the night until 6 a.m. the following morning, but most teams packed up and headed for home shortly before midnight.
Overall, treasurer Kathy Daugherty said that the unofficial total stands at $23,283.62, with some money still to come in and some expenses still left to pay out.