This Saturday, a fun family event will be held in Camp Verde, and it’s all for a very good cause.
For three years, Camp Verde Relay For Life has been working to raise money to fight cancer. It’s just one of many Relay groups across the nation, collectively the largest source of fundraising for the American Cancer Society.
The Relay in question refers to an event where cancer survivors and others in the community gather to take turns in an overnight walk, symbolizing the fact that cancer never sleeps.
That one event is actually just the culmination of months-long fundraising efforts from teams of friendly competitors.
This year, there is no actual Relay event. When the event first legitimately came to Camp Verde in 2008, it was held in May at the Camp Verde High School track around the football field.
There were minor delays in organizing the event the second year, and it was shifted into the fall and to the town soccer field off of Main Street.
Camp Verde Relay Event Cochairwoman Latahna Fulton said she wants to get the event back to May and back to the high school. Most organizers behind the effort agree it’s a much better venue and time of year to draw a crowd.
While that means the next official Relay won’t be until May 2012, organizers and Relay teams still want to do something for the community while keeping the message out there that Relay For Life hasn’t gone away in Camp Verde.
To that end, Camp Verde Relay is hosting the Relay Rally on Saturday, June 4, in the parking lot of the Outpost Mall on Finnie Flat Road.
There will be hot dogs and food, while individual Relay teams will have a jump house for the kids, snow cones and a bake sale. A disc jockey will be on site to provide entertainment.
Some classic cars will be on display, and some local businesses will be on hand with beverages and other items.
In the meantime, there will be plenty of information about Relay For Life and what people can do to get involved and contribute to the goal of stamping out cancer once and for all.
Several businesses around town will also be selling paper cutouts to help raise money for the cause.
The event lasts from 4 to 8 p.m.
Another event, a dinner to honor survivors, is planned for Saturday, June 18, at the new Rainbow Acres Community Center, but space is limited. Email CVRelay@yahoo.com for information on ticket availability.
