Community Corner
VIDEO: Wyandotte Relay For Life Raises $26,000
More than 100 people walked in Saturday and Sunday's 24-hour event for American Cancer Society.
The fourth annual raised more than $26,000 over the weekend.
A dozen teams and their 120 volunteers walked around BASF Waterfront Park from 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday.
Relay For Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society to raise money and awareness for all types of cancer by bringing together cancer survivors, volunteers, sponsors, family members and other supporters.
Find out what's happening in Wyandottewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The event is designed so that at least one member of each team is walking at all hours during the 24-hour event. Themed laps are set up to inject fun and laughter into the serious event.
Wear Your Blanket Lap was from 1 to 2 a.m., followed by the Hokie Pokie lap from 2 a.m. to 2 a.m. DJ Greg Chahil also was on hand to keep the event moving.
Find out what's happening in Wyandottewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The survivor victory lap featured cancer survivors in purple shirts taking a lap around the track in celebration of their achievements. A luminary ceremony was held in the evening. Candle-lit bags were set up around to park to represent a life touched by cancer.
During the day, festivities included dancers, a puppet show and a performance by the Roosevelt High School jazz band. Volunteer Megan Maiani also during the event.
At the end of the event, organizers had collected $25,950. Since then, some other money has also trickled in. And donations are still being accepted.
"We had a great weekend filled with celebrations, activities, sweat, tears and a little rain," said Holly Soranno, who organized the event on behalf of the American Cancer Society. "I think this year's Relay For Life of Wyandotte was a great success. The dedication of our committee, team captains and participants was an inspiration. With their hard work, we raised over $26,000 to help fund the mission of the American Cancer Society and create a world with more birthdays."
Awards were given out to teams and walkers in a number of categories:
- Best Decorated Campsite: Johnny's Kids
- Mission Delivery Award: Team Spray For a Cure
- Team Spirit Award: Bunco Babes
- Rookie Team of the Year: Young & Old(er) Together
- Highest Fundraising Individual: Kurt Tola with $3,158
- Most Laps Walked By An Individual: Kaitlyn Maiani with 47
- Highest Fundraising Team: The Blevins Family with $5,726
