For 25 years now one of the most important volunteer fundraising efforts of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society has been taking place under the auspices of the River Valley Relay For Life. They have taken place at various venues throughout Lycoming County such as the Williamsport High School, the Montoursville, the Hughesville, and the Muncy High School tracks. This year this efforts celebrates its 25th Anniversary of cancer fundraising and public awareness efforts.

Generations of community members and long-time volunteers of the American Cancer Society have joined forces for this 25th Anniversary of the organization’s signature event, Relay For Life.

The event, themed “Decades,” takes place on Friday, May 17 at Williamsport Area Middle School. This year weather permitting it will be an outside/inside event. The walk begins at 5:00 p.m., culminating with a closing ceremony on Saturday, May 18 at 1:00 p.m.

Just a few of the fun activities — along with excellent food!!!

Friday, May 17
– 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. – Uptown Music
– 7:00ish – Survivor/Caregiver Lap
– 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – Logan Route – excellent singer – country and decade songs
– 8:30 p.m. – Team Decade Talent Challenge
– 9:30 p.m.– Luminaria Ceremony and music by both Rick Alverez and Brenda Lukasiewicz
– 10:15 p.m. – 11:15 p.m. – Decades Quizzo with John Mackey
– 11:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Disco Dance Party with DJ Ryan Howell

Saturday, May 18
– 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Car Show
– 10 a.m. – Bingo open to the community on Saturday morning — tickets available at the ACS office or at the event that weekend.
“Relay For Life is a celebration of hope,” community development manager Ellen Bokeko, told Webb Weekly. “From team members to volunteers, we all want to remember those we’ve lost, help those affected today, and give us a home team advantage against cancer.”
The event committee is asking past teams to participate in numerous ways including
– Attending the day of the event and set up an on-site fundraiser
– An online fundraiser in advance of the event, with a check presentation at the event
– ‘25th Team Reunion’ by joining the walk a participate in the festivities (no fundraising obligation)

This year’s event is in memory of a father and son who both lost their battle with cancer Clair and David Schon. “Funds raised through Relay For Life not only honor survivors and remember loved ones, but also help give cancer patients and their families the resources they need,” said Bokeko. “Services provided include free rides to treatment, lodging near hospitals during treatment, and a live 24/7 helpline for answers and support. We would like to thank all the local businesses that are sponsoring the event, but especially UPMC Hillman Cancer Center for their continued support and catering the survivor/caregiver meal.”

For more information on River Valley Relay For Life contact: Ellen Bokeko, Community Development Manager 570-221-7908 or ellen.bokeko@cancer.org.

Neighboring Clinton County will also have its own Relay For Life activities on May 18th.

According to Brooke Wise, one of the organizers of the effort, it will take place on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Riverview Park, Farrandsville Road, Lock Haven.

Josh Englert, Relay Committee and Team Captain of Team Englert at the Clinton County RFL, expressed his reason for participating in the Relay For Life. “Cancer is something everyone will deal with at one point in their life in one way or another! We should all come out and help fight until the fight is won.”

Other upcoming relays include the Sullivan County Relay on June 1st at the Sullivan County Fairgrounds and the Tri-Town Relay for Life, which will be held June 8th at the Montgomery Red Raiders Stadium/Athletic & Sports complex.