They gather at the Henryetta football field and walk, play games, sell food and other goodies with all money going to aid in cancer research.The annual Relay For Life program has been going on nationally for 27 years and nearly that long in Henryetta.
At the Relay kickoff meeting this week, chair Amber Smith announced the goal this year will be $35,000. She said over $30,000 was raised through donations, sponsorships, teams, survivors and luminaria sales.
The program this year will again take place at the Henryetta football field starting at 2 p.m. and running through midnight April 21.
This year, Okmulgee teams and organizations will be joining the Henryetta effort.
Smith encouraged every team to add at least one new survivor to their group. “Survivors are the reason we relay,” she said. “We want to show the survivors that they are not alone in the fight against cancer.”
One of the highlights every year is the luminaria ceremony. Those lighted luminaria sacks circle the football field and each is dedicated to a family member or friend who has either been lost to cancer or has defeated the disease. Those are on sale for $5 each and may be purchased through Joann Hott at the Henryetta public library. They can also be downloaded here: {phocadownload view=file|id=30|target=s}
Anyone wishing to register a team can do it online at: www.relayforlife.org/henryettaok.
Smith pointed out there is a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Relay4lifeHenryettaOK, that will enable everyone to keep up with the various fundraisers and news about Relay.
“We encourage everyone to participate. If they can’t be on a team, come on down April 21 and be a part of the activities.”