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Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula June 19, 2002 Text © 2002 and photos © 2001 Michele Anderson

Relay for Life to raise funds for Cancer Society June 21-22

HOUGHTON -- The seventh annual 24-hour Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 21, and continue all night until 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at the Houghton High School Track. This year's event will be more elaborate than the 2001 Relay, according to Kathy Archambeau, event manager.

Families, friends and work associates honor cancer victims and survivors in the June 2001 Relay for Life at the Houghton High School track. (2001 file photo by Michele Anderson)

"We have one team, Curves for Women, that has already raised more than $10,000," Archambeau noted.

A minimum of $150 is required to enter the Relay as a team. Teams will be dressed in costume. Each team picks a theme and gears it around a cure for cancer. The Parade of Teams begins at 5 p.m. on Friday. 

Teams will take turns walking, jogging or running around the track at Houghton High School to raise money for the American Cancer Society and to raise awareness of cancer and the Society’s work.

Several special laps will highlight the event. At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, the Victory Lap will honor cancer survivors, joined by their caregivers. A special Patriot Lap follows at 8 p.m. Participants are asked to bring a flag and join in support of honoring those involved in the September 11 attacks and also honoring firefighters and law enforcement personnel for their continued protection.

Luminaria honoring and commemorating cancer victims line the track during the 2001 Relay for Life. They are lit for a ceremony of light in the evening. This year the Luminaria Ceremony will be at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, June 21. (2001 file photo by Michele Anderson)

As always, the beautiful and moving Luminaria Ceremony, at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, will allow individuals to honor and commemorate cancer victims with light.

Special events including a raffle, silent auction, ice cream social and sales of crafts and other donated items will offer opportunities to contribute to the fundraiser. Free activities will be offered for children of all ages.

Kids of all ages enjoy a variety of activities and learn about "beating cancer" during the June 2001 Relay for Life at the Houghton High School track. (2001 file photo by Michele Anderson)

Anyone wishing to contribute by mailing a donation should make the check payable to the American Cancer Society and mail it to Framed by Kathy, 314 Shelden Ave., Houghton, MI 49931.

"We'll always take donations for the Cancer Society," said Archambeau.

Read the detailed 2002 Relay for Life Schedule of Events. 

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