Clinton County Relay For Life this Friday at Central

Last year's Clinton County Relay For Life committee members: Tiffany Jansen, Maggie Gerstner, Alison Gregory, Michele Maue, Michelle Kalmer, Amanda Gerstner, Barb Gerstner, Dana Timmermann and Charlee Dixon; not pictured are Deb Dressel, Deb Koetting, Jordan Becker and Kari Becker.    Ready … Set ... Relay!
    This Friday, the Clinton County community will gather together at Central High School in Breese to celebrate the lives of those who have had cancer, remember those who lost their battle with cancer and fight back against a disease that takes too much.
    This year is the 26th anniversary of Clinton County Relay For Life.
    Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event, bringing communities together to celebrate survivors, remember those lost, and fight back against cancer. Since its founding in 1985, Relay For Life has raised over $5 billion to fund cancer research, patient care services, and educational programs.
    Since its inception in 2000, Clinton County Relay For Life has raised over $3.5 million for the American Cancer Society, funding research, patient support programs, and cancer prevention initiatives.
    The evening begins with the Survivor Dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. inside Central Community High School. Cancer survivors are invited to attend.
    Activities will then move outdoors, with the opening ceremony and Survivors Lap beginning at 7 p.m. Relay For Life celebrates those currently battling cancer as well as those who have overcome the disease.
    Last year the relay was around the circle drive due to some track improvements. They will do that again this year, which will allow vendors to be close.
    The traditional Luminaria Ceremony, honoring those who have been affected by cancer, will take place at sunset, approximately 8 p.m., followed by the event's final lap at 9 p.m.
    A snack truck will be available throughout the evening.
    Participants are encouraged to join a team, raise funds and help support the American Cancer Society's mission of funding cancer research, patient support services and prevention programs.
    Community members can visit the Relay For Life of Clinton County Facebook page to register a team, make a donation, purchase a luminaria or learn more about the event. A special memorial luminaria bag also is available to honor loved ones who have lost their battle with cancer, are currently fighting the disease, or are cancer survivors.
    Donations may be mailed to: Relay For Life of Clinton County, P.O. Box 22, Breese, IL 62230.
    An addition to this year is the Relay For Life event shirt. Those who ordered a shirt can pick them up at AVH Ink and Vinyl in Breese. A shirt can still be received online once a $100 donation is reached.
    There are a couple raffles that are available for a Taste of Clinton County raffle basket with gift cards from many businesses. Another raffle is for a motorized scooter or Stanley backpack cooler filled with goodies and scratch-offs.
  Event organizers invite the community to come together to celebrate, remember and fight back in the ongoing battle against cancer.
    Clinton County Relay For Life also thanked this year's corporate sponsors:relayforlife.org
    •Diamond Level ($2,500+) — Poettker Construction and Dairy King
    •Gold Level ($1,000+) — Lebanon Optometric Center/Breese Family Vision Center, HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital-Breese, Davis Charitable Foundation/Jim's Formal Wear, TrailSmiths Mobile RV Repair, Breese Journal and Publishing, Rehkemper and Son, Inc., Janet Bone/Raymond James and Associates, Inc., Beckemeyer Sons/Auxiliary/Legion, Ken and Julie Maschhoff, Meyer Electric and Farm and Metro-Ag Inc.
    There are numerous Silver, Bronze and Copper sponsors as well.
    "The support, encouragement, and generosity of Clinton County has shaped our journey in ways we could only dream of," said co-organizer Dana Timmermann.
    For more information, check out their Facebook group, Relay For Life of Clinton County. You can also scan the QR code to learn more.