The Relay for Life of Redmond and Kirkland is holding their annual Kick-off event on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at Juanita High School Cafeteria from 7-8 p.m. Each summer volunteers put on a 24 hour Relay for Life at Redmond High School. This year’s event will be held June 19-20.
The January Kick-off is for registering new teams as well as returning teams. Those who register now will receive the early bird half price registration fee of $50. Relay for Life is an annual event organized completely by local volunteers sponsored by the American Cancer Society. There are celebrations and recognitions throughout the weekend accompanied by a variety of entertainments.
Teams will set up camp sites on the Redmond High School football field to stay for the entire 24 hours signifying that cancer doesn’t sleep and neither do we for that time. This year’s theme is Decades of Hope and each campsite will be decorated to show a particular decade. The teams work together during the year to raise funds that will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Of those funds, $.70 of every dollar raised goes directly to research for a cure for all types of cancer, advocacy programs for those presently battling the disease and education. The cost of putting on the Relay is covered by corporate sponsorship.
The day begins with a pancake breakfast for cancer survivors and caregivers followed by a victory lap around the track celebrating survivorship. For the remainder of the day, at least one member of each team will be walking around the track at any one time while activities and entertainment are taking place on stage and around the field. Many Redmond and Kirkland families find this to be a wonderful time to spend together in community service. After sunset on the first day, there is a ceremonial lighting of luminaria set up around the track. Accompanied by a bagpipe, this is an inspiring heartfelt ceremony recognizing survivors and remembering those who are no longer with us.
Those who are unable to attend the kickoff, go to the web site to register. The half price fee for early registration will be in effect during January. Also businesses interested in a corporate sponsorship may do so at Relay for Life.
