The celebrities may be slightly less well known than those you’d find on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but those you’ll find at the June 20 and 21 Relay For Life of Charlotte should be more celebrated. The theme for this year’s event is the Relay Walk of Fame and its celebrities are those who have survived the fight against cancer, those who are in the midst of the fight of their lives and all those that have come out to show united support.
The Relay For Life of Charlotte committee has set its sites high this year, establishing a fundraising goal of $80,000. Local teams have been raising money for months and all of their hard work culminates with the 24-hour event that takes place at Charlotte High School’s track. The action begins at 1 p.m. as teams will set up tents and booths and representatives begin the 24-hour trek on the track.
Opening ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. with remarks from the committee and an always-inspiring speech from the Honorary Survivor. Opening ceremonies also include the Survivor’s lap, where the track turns into a flowing sea of purple shirts. Themed laps are held throughout the event.
The mood will be a little more somber around 10 p.m. as the lights around the track are turned off and the luminaries around the track are lit. Names of those who have lost their battle to cancer and those who have been triumphant are read during a ceremony that is extremely moving.
Walking, activities, games and opportunities to raise money continue throughout the night into Saturday. The Charlotte drumline will help wake the crowd Saturday morning at 8 a.m. Participants can send messages to heaven at 11 a.m. before closing ceremonies bring things to an end beginning at noon.
For more information about the Relay Walk of Fame, to become a sponsor, or to find out how to sign up your relay team, contact event co-chair Laura Cooper at Laura57chevy@yahoo.com. Find the Relay Walk of Fame Online at www.tinyurl.com/charlotterfl, Facebook search Charlotte Relay for Life, Instagram, FlickR, or Twitter at CharlotteRFL.
