Relay For Life to take place at Gogebic Community College

IRONWOOD — Relay for Life is set to begin at Gogebic Community College on Saturday, July 25.

As part of the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life is the organization’s biggest fundraising event. More than just a relay, the Relay is a time to unite as a community, recognize those who’ve been touched by cancer and remember those who lost the battle, according to an ACS spokesman.

Anybody can sign up. Participants can be on a team or be involved by themselves. This year’s Gogebic County RFL chairman is Helen Slining. She is one of 10 members on her Jacquart Fabric Products team.

Slining said 11 teams have signed up so far to participate in the cause.

“We have survivors who show up, and caretakers,” she said. “They have friends, nurses and doctors who all show up.”

Leading up the event, families, teams and friends are to raise money for the big day.

Each participant is supposed to try to raise $600, according to the ACS. So far, Slining’s team has collected $3,195, well above the $1,000 goal for each team.

According to the ACS, proceeds are used to help fund research. In addition, the money goes towards supporting patients through various programs and services.

The Relay begins July 25 at 4 p.m. Organizers will host ceremonies to recognize survivors and talk about the disease. Throughout the day, live music will be performed by local bands, including the Gogebic Range Band and Marty’s Goldenaires.

“We try to keep it moving, so everybody can come and watch,” Slining said.

When the sun sets, participants will honor those affected by cancer with a ceremony before they light candles placed inside decorative luminaria surrounding the track.

“The ceremony is happy for some. For some of it, it’s sad,” Slining said.

At midnight, the festivities will come to a close to end the fundraiser.

Kim Zeckovich, Marketing, Admissions and Community Relations Director at Gogebic Community College, said the college is honored to host such a big event.

“Having the Relay for Life  on our campus is a great honor to the college,” she said. “This event brings the entire area together to support this worthy organization that has helped so many people over the years. We are very happy to be a part of it.”

For more information about the event, visit relayforlife.org/gogebiccountymi. or call 877-957-7848.