The 2020 Relay for Life of Greene County will look different than in years past, but the goal remains the same – to celebrate cancer survivors, to remember those who died of cancer, and to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
Guidance from the American Cancer Society does not allow for a large group event. The local event leadership team has modified the barbecue, survivor event, luminaria display and silent auction to meet ACS guidelines.
This year’s event will be staged in parts. A community barbecue is slated for Friday, Aug. 7, from 5 to 6:30 pm, at the Greene County Community Center in Jefferson. Hy-Vee is donating to-go meals of a grilled burger or brat with chips, a cookie and water. Volunteers will provide car-side, drive-thru service in the community center parking lot. Donations will be accepted for the meal.
Cancer survivors who responded to mailed invitations can pick up their survivor T-shirt during the barbecue, also at car-side.
Luminaria will be displayed that evening on the retaining wall at the southwest corner of the community center lawn. Persons are invited to drive or walk past the display from 8 to 9 pm. Like other years, luminaria will carry messages of remembrance, a prayer of thanks or words of hope. Luminaria can be purchased car-side during the barbecue.
They can be purchased in advance by contacting Shirley Stapleton at 515-386-2804, or by mail at 500 W. Edgewood Drive, Jefferson, IA 50129. Donors should include their own name, who the luminaria is for, and whether it is to memorialize or honor that person. The suggested donation is $10 for each luminaria.
Relay for Life T-shirts will have a new look this year. This year’s theme, “We are HOPE,” will be printed on baseball-style three-quarter sleeve jerseys. The shirts will be available soon at ShineOn designs in Jefferson for $15 each. The full purchase price will go to Relay for Life thanks to sponsorship of AAI/ Spalding and ShineOn designs.
Members of Relay for Life teams can turn in their sales receipt to their team captain and their team will be credited with the sale price toward the team fundraising goal. Watch for an announcement when the shirts can be purchased.
The silent auction will be held online this year, with bidding opening the morning of Sept. 8 and closing Sept. 11. Item pick-up will be Saturday morning, Sept. 12. Watch for more details.
Persons who would like more information or to help with the Relay for Life can contact Relay event leadership team chair Tori Riley at 515-370-3087.
