76.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesNearly 1,000 Set to Relay for Life

Nearly 1,000 Set to Relay for Life

Participants in the 2011 Relay for Life at the CAHS track.It’s an 18-hour party with a purpose, and everyone is invited. This weekend will be the 11th annual Relay for Life, the signature fundraiser for the St. Thomas-St. John Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

As usual, the relay will be held at the Charlotte Amalie High School track. It starts at noon Saturday and runs through the night, closing at 6 a.m. Sunday.

Visitors can drop in any time or stay for the entire event. The entrance fee is just $10 and entitles you to a T-shirt while supplies last.

This year the society has expanded the roster of activities, games and entertainment, said Jane DiCola, the 2012 Relay chairwoman. The musical lineup includes Milo’s Kings, Louis Taylor & Friends, the National Guard 73rd Marching Band and the CAHS marching band, Spectrum Band, Sammy Watts, Volume Band and Slick Section.

In addition to the popular Tug-of-War, there will be “pay to play” dominoes and bingo games, volleyball, musical chairs, a talent showcase and “other surprises.”

There also will be a Health and Wellness Pavilion where volunteers will provide massage, reiki, reflexology and chiropractic services for $5 for 15 minutes. Classes offered include yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Gong, R.I.P.P.E.D. and ZUMBA.

At the heart of the event are the 15-member relay teams, organized by businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, churches, families and friends, each committed to having at least one member walking or running on the track at all times. The teams pay a $150 entrance fee and individual members of the team seek sponsors to contribute a set amount per lap.

With each team member committed to raising a minimum of $100, that makes the total contribution per team at least $1,650.

At midweek, DiCola said, “There are 62 teams and counting.”

American Cancer Society is still accepting team entrants, though it may be a bit impractical to start organizing one at this late date. If you’d like to join an existing team, DiCola advised calling the relay coordinator, Therese Hodge, at 771-3311.

DiCola said organizers have added food-for-purchase this year, with 10 vendors within the village and another three food trucks parked just outside.

“Many teams bring prepared food to the Relay Village, and we do expect that trend to continue, but we want to make sure that everyone can enjoy a meal should they choose,” she said.

A highlight of the relay is the Luminary Ceremony and Survivors Victory Lap. Honorary Survivor Elliott “Mac” Davis will open this event at 9 p.m. At this point, the lights will be turned off and the track will be lit by hundreds of luminaries – candles glowing inside paper bags.

Everyone is encouraged to donate $5 for a luminary bag in support of someone fighting cancer or in tribute to the memory of a loved one.

No fewer than 150 volunteers are working to make the Relay for Life a success this year, DiCola said, adding that there are a huge number of “caring people” in the community. “It’s an enormous event.”

As a national event, the Relay for Life concept started in Tacoma, Wash., in 1985.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.