Relay for Life Begins This Friday
By Karen Gould

A fundraising flock of pink flamingos decorates Jeni and Craig Therrian's St. Ignace front yard Tuesday, July 8. The flock is migrating around the county, raising funds to fight cancer. The birds' appearance leads up to the annual Relay For Life that begins Friday, July 25, and runs through Saturday, July 26, at St. Ignace Middle School.

About two weeks before the county's Friday, July 25, Relay for Life event, Jeni and Craig Therrian discovered a flock of pink flamingos decorating the lawn of their Cedar Lane home in St. Ignace. The plastic birds are part of the local effort to raise funds to help fight cancer. Mr. Therrian is a cancer survivor.

"They're a cute idea," said Mrs. Therrian, who now has a say in where the birds will make their next stop on their annual migration around the county.

Last year, volunteer Mary Cullen participated in the "flocking" fundraiser that leads up to Relay for Life. Once the birds arrive in a yard, she said, the homeowner has the opportunity to make a donation of $10 to the American Cancer Society to have the plastic flamingos removed. The homeowner also can purchase an insurance policy, which offers protection against the return of the pink yard ornaments.

Although the birds always make a surprise appearance, they do come with a note of explanation, and Mrs. Cullen's phone number. She then collects the flamingos and, in collaboration with the homeowner, chooses their next destination. The flamingos tend to journey at night, making their way to the next unsuspecting homeowner's front yard.

"I have yet to be caught," said Mrs. Cullen about placing the birds in people's yards. "I've had a few close calls this year."

More than 25 area volunteers began planning Relay for Life events in January, said this year's chair, Sherrill Soblaskey of St. Ignace.

The 24-hour event begins at 1 p.m. Friday, July 25, at the parking lot of the St. Ignace Middle School. The community, said Mrs. Soblaskey, is welcome to participate by attending the event, making a donation, or by joining in and walking. Participants do not have to be on a walking team.

"The more walkers, the better" she said. "Just come and walk."

By 1 p.m., members of nine scheduled teams of walkers will begin making laps around a makeshift track in the school parking lot. The fundraising walk will continue until 1 p.m. Saturday. Participants can attend part or all of the 24-hour event. There is no charge for admission.

Similar events are held around the country throughout the year.

The rules call for someone to be walking at all times, and late night walkers are appreciated.

"Our slowest time," she said, "is between midnight and 6 a.m."

As walkers set the pace on the track Friday afternoon, the Saints of Steel drum band is scheduled to perform, animal balloon creations will be made, clowns will entertain, and the St. Ignace Fire Department will have a truck at the event. A pie eating contest is planned, and food will be served.

A survivor walk is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., followed by a caregiver walk.

Baskets of prizes will be auctioned off about 8:30 p.m.

At 9:30 p.m., a luminary ceremony is planned. Candles in special bags will line the track, providing light for the walkers during the night and symbolizing a light of hope. Donations of $10 will allow participants to decorate a candle bag.

Throughout the evening, music will be played and board games and card games will entertain participants.

A silent auction will take place that includes items donated by area businesses.

Those giving a $100 donation receive a T-shirt; stuffed bears with a hope charm are available for $5.

Proceeds of the event are given to the American Cancer Society. Last year, the St. Ignace event raised $33,000.

"Cancer has affected all of us," said Mrs. Soblaskey. "I think this is why we go out and work the extra mile on this and why people in the town are so willing to give."

For more information, call Sherrill Soblaskey at 643-8711.