ROCKINGHAM — After a seven-year absence, Relay for Life will return to Richmond County on Friday, May 1, bringing the community together to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and support those affected by cancer.
The event, hosted by the Richmond County Cancer Care Treasure Shop, will take place at Raider Stadium at Richmond Senior High School from 5-10 p.m.
Organizers say the evening is designed to offer activities for all ages while raising awareness and funds for cancer research and patient services. The event will feature arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, music, entertainment, games and raffles, as well as line dancing and performances by local elementary schools and Richmond Senior High School students, including dance teams such as the Camerion Boys.
Food vendors are expected to include Puckered Up Lemonade, Domino’s, Chick-Fil-A, Burger Bros, Soda Fusion and Mini’s On The Go, among others.
“We’re just trying to be able to have stuff for all ages throughout the event,” said Heather Guinn, one of the organizers for Relay for Life. “Every dollar raised, every cent raised, all of the proceeds go to Relay for Life American Cancer Society which help people who are going through cancer, helps them with their lodging, their treatment, transportation, along with their families. There’s a saying that says, ‘Cancer doesn’t stop, so why should we?’ Which is the whole purpose of the relay is to constantly have people walk the whole night, walking to raise awareness for cancer.”
Guinn said the event is especially meaningful to those involved with the Richmond County Cancer Care Treasure Shop, where many staff and customers have been personally affected by cancer.
“Just the store in general and the employees here have been affected by a family member or loved one who has been affected by cancer. The customers, we hear their stories when they come in. We see so many people affected with cancer either going through it themselves or a family member, so it just means a lot to be able to help them out—whether it’s giving them emotional support or advice and leading them into the direction they need to find help to go where they need to,” Guinn added.
She said organizers hope the event not only supports current patients and survivors but also continues to grow in the years ahead.
“I just hope they get to see how much it means to the survivors who are going to be out there to have the community supporting something like this. They continue coming back each year to make it bigger and better so one day we do come and find a cure for cancer,” said Guinn.
Guinn also shared ways community members can support Relay for Life beyond attending Friday’s event.
“They can get involved by just going out and doing a lemonade stand, or having yard sales or just donating to the [RC Treasure Shop] store because all of the proceeds from the store go directly to Relay for Life and American Cancer Society,” Guinn said. “They might be thinking they’re just giving away unwanted items, but those unwanted items are helping somebody who’s battling cancer to get to their next treatment or to get their next meal, or transportation to their next treatment. I think it’s important for the community to know exactly what it means just by them getting rid of their unwanted items — it’s more to us than unwanted items, it’s a chance for helping people battling cancer to be able to see their next birthday or spend more time with a family member.”