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Chamber Joins Relay Efforts

From staff reports

The county’s chamber of commerce is asking its membership to support a charity in the fight against cancer.

The third annual Scott County Relay For Life is set for June 15-16 in Gate City and the Scott County Chamber of Commerce is asking its members to help with this very worthy cause by making a donation toward the corporate sponsorship.  Donations can be made of any amount, $10, $25, etc. - whatever you are willing to donate and the chamber will match the donations up to $500. 

This national event is held yearly to raise funds to provide research, educational services, counseling and resources for loved ones coping with cancer.

In addition to teams, there is a need for the businesses in the community to come together and help promote and assist in the fund-raising efforts.  

Any chamber member interested in making a donation should make their checks payable to the Scott County Chamber of Commerce and mail to P.O. Box 609, Gate City, Va. 24251.

“This is a great opportunity for small businesses to come together to help make a difference,” explained Penny Horton, executive secretary of the Scott County Chamber of Commerce. 

The deadline for donations through the chamber is May 4.

Relay organizers are hoping to raise $100,000 at the Scott County event and are seeking more teams. Teams composed of eight to 15 participants will camp out at Gate City High School on Friday, June 15 and take turns walking or running around the track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event.

Although Relay is an overnight event lasting sometimes up to 24 hours in length, the Scott County event is a 12-hour effort. The event begins with opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. on June 15 and continues through the night, finishing at 6 a.m. on June 16. Individuals are not required to walk the entire 12 hours but teams are asked to have a team representative walking throughout the event.

Cancer survivors will be recognized at 4 p.m. and officially kick-off the event by walking the inaugural lap at 6 p.m.

Some local teams are already raising money for the special charity. And it’s not too late to join their efforts.

“Join us in the fight against cancer by forming a team,” added Emogene Quillen, a member of the organizing committee. “Teams are made up of family, friends, co-workers, church groups and others who come together and help us win the battle over cancer.”

Lighted luminaries provide a poignant moment at the Relay as those gathered remember and honor cancer victims and cancer. The event also features musical entertainment. Any musical groups that would like to perform are asked to contact Ivy Lane at 940-2313.

The purpose of Relay For Life, which is the American Cancer Society’s national signature activity, is seek funds to help fight cancer and to bring a greater awareness of the disease.

For more information about the June 15 Scott County Relay For Life or to register a team, call Brenda Estep, event chairperson, 386-3146, Lou Ann Johnson, 386-7836 or the American Cancer Society at 1-877-429-2955.

Teams can sign up online at www.relayforlife.org. For cancer information call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit online at www.cancer.org, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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