Saturday June 3rd was the annual Relay for Life, which raises money for the American Cancer Society. Walks take place all over the country and the events are open to everyone! The events can take up to 24 hours, with teams setting up tents and walking (or running) around a track or path, each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times. Teams also spend months fundraising for the event. There's a place for everyone at the relays, being a member of a team, volunteering, participating in games, or just stopping by to support teams, vendors, bid on auctions, and maybe doing a lap in honor of a loved one.
This year I volunteered my photography for the relay in Valparaiso. I have done this in the past, a friend of mine is the organizer. When she called on me again, I was very happy to help out. This year was a little more personal for me, as my mom is now a cancer survivor. Next year, we both plan on participating more. And I certainly hope it won't be as hot. I wasn't prepared very well this year, I've been staying with my mom and helping her, next year will be different.
So here is my photos, I stayed most of the day. With a combination of journalistic and artistic photos, I like to try to tell the whole story, not just a part of it.... I hope you enjoy, and join in on this wonderful cause next year!
(There will be links at the bottom of this blog)
The auction tent...
Yes, there's a chicken in that "stroller"...
The opening ceremony... Members of The Civil Air Patrol have been very supportive at the Valparaiso event through the years..
Speakers included Kim Rushmore (the event organizer, and my friend), Janet Wartman (American Cancer Society), and representatives from St Mary's hospital, ASCCAN, and Valparaiso Team Chevy (Dave Brubaker).
The first lap is for Survivors and Caregivers..
After their lap, the survivors and caregivers are treated to a luncheon...
There are themed laps throughout the day, some being contests with prizes. Following are photos from the "Blow the Biggest Bubble" lap...
Valparaiso Police Officer Kobitka and his K9 partner, Officer Kaiser stopped to show support and did a lap of their own...
There was a visit from Culvers and everyone was happy for the cold ice cream on such a hot day...
One of the many contests, a balloon toss (also welcome on a hot day)....
Oooh! A photographer!!
And the winning catch...
One team raised money by selling balloons for a "Memories to Heaven" balloon release... It was a beautiful moment...
And we have a winner! The woman in the sunglasses is wearing her shirt...
Some photos from the "Walk Backwards" Lap....
Taking a break with some family fun...
The winners for the best tent... The Cancerbusters!!
The DJ clowning around... And confusing Kim... lol
Gathering for the scavenger hunt...
I took a break from photos (except for this one) and did a few laps for my mom...
At the end of the day, the bags that have been purchased for honoring loved ones are lit for the luminary lap... It was also quite beautiful...
For more information:
American Cancer Society ~ Relay For Life
For information on the Valparaiso event:
Greater Valparaiso Relay For Life
** ALL photos on this blog are property of Christi Bushby, copyrighted and protected as such by law. Please see my copyright page for details and/or permissions of use.
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