Hope in the Park event supports Relay for Life fundraising efforts
By From staff reports
Published in News on September 17, 2017 1:45 AM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Keonia Dudley, 17, plays with her dog Ryan in matching tutus made by their team the Eastern Wayne Relay for Life Club Saturday during the inaugural Hope in the Park event at Herman Park.
Volunteers held a fundraising event in Herman Park Saturday for Relay for Life, and it was the first of its kind.
Vicki Terrell, an organizer and cancer-survivor herself, said the event, named Hope in the Park, was a way to try and get people in the community more aware of Relay for Life's year-round fundraising efforts.
Their fundraising year begins annually on Sept. 1, and runs through the actual relay walking event in May.
"We wanted to do something in the fall to get the community involved and get them aware of what we do for Relay for Life," Terrell said.
Terrell said organizers began planning Saturday's event in June.
Vendors filled the shelters of Herman Park, selling Mary Kay, Lularoe, Scentsy and even solar-powered lamps, as well as providing information about various public services.
There was also a DJ and a food truck serving up goods for people to enjoy while they strolled around the event.
Terrell said the event began because attendance at the spring event has dwindled in recent years, as May becomes more and more filled with other activities happening around the community.
She said the vendors selling their goods and wares would donate a portion of their profits to Relay for Life to help fundraising efforts.
"Mostly it's just an opportunity to give back to the community," Terrell said.