Local News - April 2003

East teams report for duty Friday

By JACOB RUDOLPH, Staff Writer

Hundreds of walkers will don purple, descend on and occupy the East Lincoln High School track this weekend.

Months of fund-raising and planning will come to fruition as teams take to the oval and round the track in an all-night walk-a-thon known simply as Relay for Life.

Though the teams in this year’s event have competed against one another for donations since January, they will walk side-by-side Friday and Saturday for a unified cause — fighting cancer.

“Relay gives people an opportunity to come together as a community,” event organizer Patsy Black said. “Everyone on the track has a common bond; everyone is walking toward the same goal.”

Relay set-up will begin Friday afternoon at 2. That is when the 45 participating teams will turn the high school track area into a regular tent community.

Although the event unofficially begins when the first tent is erected, the 7 p.m. opening ceremony will mark the official start of the fifth east Lincoln relay.

In the tradition of Relay for Life, the first lap will be completed by cancer survivors — those who have served on the front line of the fight against the disease.

That lap will be followed by the caretaker lap and, new this year, a Tribute to America.

That segment of the event will feature one member from every branch of the U.S. military, as well as local police, fire and rescue personnel. It is a way for relay participants to honor those who serve our country, Black said.

“It is really going to be a special tribute to our service people,” Black said.

The fun will then begin, as team members take the first steps in the first minutes of the 16-hour long event.

While team members take turns rounding the track, musical performances, games, movies, dancing and other entertainment will fill the 32 event tents.

There will be a pie-eating contest, an 18-hole miniature golf course and a dunking booth. Barney Fife, Elvis and the Chik-Fil-A cow will also be roam the crowd.

The wide-variety of entertainment helps the boost the spirits of the walkers and makes for an overall fun night.

“We try to keep it fun,” Black said. “The more entertainment you have, the more participation you get.”

Outside participation, from people not walking or on a relay team, is also encouraged. There is enough food and fun for everyone, Black said.

“Everyone, even if you’re not on a team, is encouraged to come out and visit the relay,” Black said. “See what it’s about and come eat with us.”

Once darkness sets in, the track will be aglow with luminaries — tributes to those touched by cancer.

Since January, teams have collected money for the relay effort. Countless fund-raisers, such as dinners, barbecues, raffles, sports tournaments and even non-traditional events like “Kiss the Goat” and penny wars have been organized to reach the east Lincoln relay goal of $200,000.

Last year, the east Lincoln goal of $175,000 was met. That event, combined with the Lincolnton relay, raised nearly $321,000, earning fourth place nationally in its population category.

Relay for Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society, raising money for education programs and cancer research.

Begun by one man, Dr. Gordy Klatt, in 1985, the all-night event has achieved international notoriety as a fund-raiser for the society.

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Staff Writer Jacob Rudolph can be reached at 704-735-3031 or jacobrudolph@ltnews.com

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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