10th Botetourt Relay for Life raises more than $82,000
On Friday night into Saturday morning Relay for Life celebrated 10 years in Botetourt County at the Town Park in Buchanan.Over $82,000 has been raised by the event thus far.
The Survivor’s Walk at 7 p.m. opened the event
Photos by Sarah Hinchliffe, special to The Botetourt View
The sites were colorful, survivors optimistic and supporters enthusiastic. The crowd was smaller than in former years but made up in size with spirit to “Roll across America and Find a Cure.” T
Lord Botetourt High School had several sites, one for James River and one for Central Academy. Greenfield Elementary had a site as well.
Bethel Church of the Brethren won the campsite award and numerous little girls including Olivia Simmons and Jordan Epperly donated pony tails for Locks for Love.
During the memory walk the announcer asked for total silence during the premier lap at dark. The solemnity was broken when she asked the crowd to speak the names of those they had lost. When you speak of them, they are never really lost. Luminarias lined the track.
The Buchanan Fire Department gladly served french fries and hamburgers and hot dogs and in all ways were very helpful. Even the funnel cake stand was open.
Music groups and cloggers provided entertainment while streams of walkers rounded the gravel track. The different sites sold everything from raffle chances on baskets, afghans, to water, Petros and chili to raise additional money for Relay for Life.
Sue Sweet from the Bank of Botetourt said, “This has been an ideal site for Relay.”
May 31, 2008 - 12:03 PM
Once again I was moved by the depth and breadth of emotion displayed at this annual event. The testimony by Louise Jargowski during the luminary memorial ceremony was moving beyond words. I felt as if I was doing my small part in this fight against a terrible disease. I understand that over $82,000 has been collected by Botetourt Relay for Life thus far. Way to go!!!