Relay for Life events will kick off with Cancer Survivors Banquet
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on May 1, 2008 1:53 PM
Cancer survivors, their fri-ends and family will gather May 15 at First Pentecostal Holiness Church to celebrate life.
The 15th annual Relay for Life survivors' banquet will start at 6 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.
About 650 people attended last year's event, and at least that many are expected to attend this year's banquet, said Donna Thompson, co-chairman.
The survivors' banquet will be the last event before the Relay, which will be held May 16 and 17 at Wayne Community College. The Relay is the Wayne County unit of the American Cancer Society's annual fundraiser. Proceeds go to local patient services and cancer research.
Entertainment will be provided by Dianna Robert and Billy McLawhon. The speaker will be Ladelle Smothers, one of the 2008 Relay adult honorary co-chairmen.
Jimmie Ford will be the master of ceremonies.
Sunburst will provide the meal and Wilbur's and Culligan's will provide beverages. Dessert will be donated by local ladies auxiliaries, church groups, Southeastern Medical Oncology Center and Wayne Radiation Oncology.
"The purpose of the banquet is to honor cancer survivors for the struggles that they have endured and the fact that they never gave up with their struggles," Ms. Thompson said.
In the past, there have been long lines that moved slowly to get into the survivors' banquet. This year, there is a new plan and the lines will move more quickly, she said.
SMOC and Wayne Radiation Oncology are sponsoring the banquet. There will be lots of door prizes.