GREENFIELD — The voices of Bernardston cheerleaders chanting “Who rocks the house? Relay rocks the house!” filled the Franklin County Fairgrounds as cancer survivors drove around the track in convertibles, kicking off the 27th annual Franklin County Relay For Life.
“Relay For Life is an event to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those we have lost and raise funds to fight back against the disease,” said Alexis Maliga, director of development for the American Cancer Society, the national organization the Relay For Life fundraiser supports.
Organizations, coworkers, families and churches form fundraising teams across Franklin County. Each team sets a goal and organizes fundraisers throughout the year in preparation for the Relay For Life event.
Relay For Life has its roots back in 1985, when Dr. Gordon “Gordy” Klatt walked for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Thirty-seven years later, Relay For Life events with the same model are held across the country. According to current organizers, Jennifer Wall started Franklin County’s event.
One fundraiser during the night is the basket sale. Teams assemble gift baskets containing goods that can include anything from lottery tickets to candles. People then buy raffle tickets for each basket, raising money for their teams.
Many participants are personally touched by cancer in some way. Sharon Kemp first joined Relay For Life in a team with the First Baptist Church 20 years ago. She now participates with her family team called “Footprints beating Cancer.” She cited her father having cancer as the reason she still participates.
However, Relay For Life was much smaller this year than in previous years.
“We are striving to build Relay back up,” participant Chris Luippold said. “We got hit hard by the pandemic.”
In 2020, the event was completely canceled due to the pandemic. Last year, organizers planned a drive-by event. Friday and Saturday marked the first full event in three years, and the decline in participants was palpable.
In the past, there have been upwards of 100 teams who walk all night long. This year, 34 teams registered for Relay For Life. Previously, the event used the entire track; by comparison, this year, organizers kept the event contained to one-third of the track.
Sue Pennison, a co-chair of Franklin County’s Relay For Life, has worked in leadership roles for the past nine years. Her friend, who is a breast cancer survivor, invited her into the organization. After three years as a participant, she attained a leadership role.
“I think community service is so important,” Pennison said. “I do this to give back to my community.”
The fundraising goal for this year’s Franklin County Relay For Life is $150,000. As of Saturday evening, $91,299 had been raised.
Fundraising for this year will continue through Aug. 1. To donate, visit bit.ly/3Qhatp5.
Contact Bella Levavi at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.