On June 4th, the Ada-Pontotoc County Relay for Life will be entering its 16th year of fundraising for the American Cancer Society. They have come a long way since their humble beginnings at the Ada High School football field all the way back in 1994. Since then, participation has grown from 17 teams to approximately 50 teams of 15 or more people. Fundraising has also grown exceptionally since the charity’s inception. In 1994 the Ada area Relay for Life raised about $19,000 and now for the past two years they have been the only Relay in the state of Oklahoma to crack the $200,000 mark. The Ada area Relay also now ranks in the top 5 teams in the United States in terms of money raised.
Essentially Relay for Life is a charity that raises money for the American Cancer Society by challenging members of communities around the United States to raise money in any way possible for the fight against cancer. Community members must form fifteen-member groups that pledge to raise money.
It is a year-long responsibility for many that culminates on one day per year. On this day, everyone involved gets together and each member from each team agrees to walk around a track or football field at various times throughout at twelve-hour timeframe. This is symbolic of the perseverance in the fight against cancer.
The evening climaxes at the luminary service in which candles are lit in memory or in honor of those who have faced, or are still facing, cancer. At this service all the names of those who have fought against cancer are called out so as to pay tribute to those who have struggled against this terrible disease.
Though the purpose of the event is serious in nature, the festivities surrounding it are anything but. The night is filled with entertainment including cake-walks, competitions, and live music. It is great fun for the entire family and is also for an awesome cause, so feel free to stop by and have some fun. This year’s event will be June 4th, starting at 7 pm, at the ECU football field. It is free and open to the public.
By Josh Forrester
