Different location and different format, with the same life-saving mission. That’s the essence of this year’s Northern Wake Relay For Life set for Friday, May 20, benefiting the American Cancer Society.
A celebration for cancer survivors and their families, Relay relocates this year to Wake Forest Baptist Church’s Stephenson Campus at 12120 Wake Union Church Road. The traditionally overnight event is now an into-the-night event, scheduled from 4 p.m. to midnight. Despite those changes, the goal is the same – honor survivors, remember loved ones lost and raise funds to help find a cure for cancer.
“We want to make sure all cancer survivors know this is a party for them and their caregivers,” said Marty Coward, one of the event organizers. “The survivors are our reasons to Relay.”
Relay features a Survivor Dinner sponsored by Mitchell Heating & Air at 5 p.m., followed by opening ceremonies at 6 p.m., with survivors walking the first lap. Kids activities begin at 6:30 p.m., with a luminary ceremony planned for 8:30. Luminaries, $10 each, are lit in honor of those battling cancer or in memory of anyone you’ve lost to cancer.
Relay For Life is not a race – it is a team event in which participants take turns walking in a show of support for those battling cancer. To join a team or donate, visit www.RelayForLife.org/NorthernWakeNC, email martycoward@nc.rr.com. or call 919-760-3520.
Activities include a basketball dunk contest, beach volleyball, dodge ball, corn hole, two bounce houses, face painting, a jewelry auction and a silent auction. Also on the Relay menu this year: food from Shuckers, LaForesta, Schiano’s Pizza and Smithfield Chicken N BBQ, plus hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream and sodas
“We’re grateful to Wake Forest Baptist for hosting this year’s Relay,” Coward added. “This new location offers plenty of parking, a nice picnic shelter with tables, a fireplace, ceiling fans, bathrooms and a kitchen. It has a large field as well as a beach volleyball court, so we feel it’s a great Relay location.”
