Community Corner

American Cancer Society Brings Relay for Life 2012 Fundraiser to Dexter on Saturday

The 24-hour Relay for Life will take place in Dexter's Monument Park beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday morning.

On Saturday morning, survivors, caregivers, family and friends will fight back against cancer as they take the track at in Dexter for the sixth annual .

The relay is a 24-hour fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer Society (ACS). Throughout the weekend, live music, games and entertainment will take place at the park as teams from churches, service clubs, and citizen groups camp out with tents and raise money through pledges. The goal is to keep at least one team member on the track at all times throughout the event.

"It's about bringing people from all walks of life together to show their support for the fight against cancer," Nikki Smith, entertainment chairwoman said. "It's an empowering experience to be a part of for sure, especially the survivor's lap in the morning and the luminary ceremony on Saturday night."

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Alex Garnepudi, a community engagement manager for ACS, said Dexter's relay has grown each year, with 200 registered walkers bringing in $60,000 last year.

"The Dexter community is very passionate about our fight, which makes their relay one of the most unique in the state," Garnepudi said. "I've been to a lot of relays during the last 10 years, but there's something about the fun, energetic vibe that comes from Dexter. I think the venue location plays into the overall feel of a community coming together."

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This year there are 16 teams participating in the relay, he said.

For those who aren't participating with a team, Smith said she wants to emphasize the event is open to the public.

"My biggest concern is getting people to the park with all the construction going on downtown," she said. "We want the public to come in, just like they do for Dexter Daze. This event is a fundraiser, so what would it be if none of the public showed up?"

To help attract families to the park, a variety of entertainment is being planned. A survivor lap for anyone touched by cancer will take place at 9:30 a.m., followed by a performance by the Fiddlers ReStrung from Saline. At 10 a.m., local country singer Katlyn Pace will take the stage to perform several musical selections. Uncommon Assessment, a classic rock band featuring teachers from Dexter High School, will perform at 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

A "Mr. Relay" walk will take place from 3-4 p.m., where men can don their best female outfit and walk around the track to raise money.

"We did 'Mr. Relay' a few years ago and everyone had a lot of fun with it, so we decided to bring it back again this year," Smith said.

From 6-8 p.m., Dexter Patch Editor Daniel Lai and the band Delirious Love will perform classic rock music at the gazebo, followed by Frank Sinatra tribute artist Frank Modaferri at 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Other events include a solemn luminary ceremony at 9 p.m. featuring bagpipes by Ian Kushnir of Delirious Love. The names of those who lost their battle with cancer will be read during the ceremony. A silent auction, children's games, and contests will also take place throughout the day on Saturday.

New this year is a "Mr. and Mrs. Relay for Life" competition, featuring students from Dexter High School.

"We are inviting students to head over to the park after prom ends at 1 a.m. to show off their formal attire," Smith explained. "The relay teams will vote on their favorite couple and crown them Mr. and Mrs. Relay for Life."

The entire event wraps up on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. with a special closing ceremony.

"We're encouraging everyone to come to Monument Park and check us out. There will be a lot of onsite fundraising going on, and we want and need the community support to help us fight this disease that's in our own back yard," Garnepudi said.

For more information about the relay and a complete schedule of events, visit the ACS website. Central Street between Main and 5th streets will be closed from Friday at 7 p.m. until Sunday at noon.


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