RELAY … Members of the Fulton County Relay for Life stand for a group photo before the start of this year’s event.
START … Event Co-Chairs Becky Dickson and Christy Williams officially kick off the 30th annual Relay For Life event.
(PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
CROWD … Tons of people came out to show their support for this year’s Relay for Life event, which was held at St. Caspers Church in Wauseon.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Fulton County Relay For Life hosted their annual Survivor Dinner and evening gathering on Friday, June 6th, at St. Caspar Catholic Church in Wauseon. The event also marked the 30th anniversary of Relay For Life in Fulton County.
This year’s celebration began at 5:00 p.m. with a meal served to around 150 cancer survivors and their caregivers.
Raffle prizes and gift tables were set up exclusively for survivors, with additional themed baskets created by local Relay teams to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
Six teams participated in this year’s event, each contributing themed raffle baskets to help raise funds. Separately, six food trucks were on site, with tips from the evening going towards Relay For Life.
The program officially kicked off at 6:00 p.m. with a welcome and a performance of the national anthem by Rick and Verlinda Schantz taking place around 6:15 p.m. The traditional Survivor and Caregiver Walk followed thereafter.
Later in the evening, the Luminaria Ceremony provided a quiet time of reflection as glowing bags lined the walkways, honoring those lost to cancer and those still fighting.
Becky Dickson and Christy Williams co-chaired this year’s event. Both have long histories with Relay. Dickson, who lost her mother to cancer in the 1980s, has been involved for decades. Williams, a 25-year participant, emphasized the value of honoring survivors. “It means a lot to let them know they’re appreciated,” she said.
Although Relay has evolved over time, the mission remains the same. Celebrate, remember, and fight back. Fulton County Relay For Life continues to host fundraisers and events year-round.
More information is available on the “Relay For Life of Fulton County” Facebook page.