Lake County to hold Relay for Life event at Memorial Middle School in Mentor

The 2018 American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Lake County will combine food, fun and fitness for a great cause.

The annual event will be from noon to midnight at Memorial Middle School in Mentor on June 2.

“Really, Relay for Life is about year-round fundraising,” said Experienced Lead David Cowen. “So, each team throughout the year have fundraisers.”

Several local teams have given back to the community in many ways.

The day of the relay, team members will take turns doing laps, whether it be walking, running or jogging.

In addition to the various themed- laps, there is a full list of entertainment.

The Relay King and Queen Competition is said to be one of the most entertaining moments every year at Relay, according to the news release.

Gentleman battle in the annual “Dude Looks Like a Lady” pageant for a chance to win Relay Queen 2018 and ladies also swap roles with men for a chance to be crowned Relay King 2018.

The competitions will continue with a pie-eating contest, limbo contest, silliest slipper contest and the 10th annual “Battle of the Burger.”

For the Battle of the Burger contest, four area restaurants and one individual chef will prepare and present their most impressive and delicious burgers. Celebrity judges will determine the winner.

Many performances will take place throughout the event on the Atlas Cinema Stage.

Relay for Life Volunteer Gail Norris is excited about this years’ event.

It will be a lot of fun for everyone, she said.

Day-long kids activities include storytimes and crafts.

The event is for survivors, caregivers, friends, family members of those with cancer and just those who want to help raise funds to find a cure.

Cowen describes it as the culminating event.

“We call it ‘Party with a Purpose,’” he said.

The money raised through Relay For Life events helps realize the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives, celebrate life, and lead the fight for a world without cancer, according to ACS.

Donations are used to fund life-saving cancer research, patient support services, prevention and education information, and detection and treatment programs.

“All of it is to raise money for the American Cancer Society, its programs, research, Hope Lodge,” said Kristen Cooksey, who is one the community development managers for the ACS.

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