Relay for Life comes up May 17-18

It’s that time of year again for the West Plains Relay for Life! Relay for Life is an overnight fundraising event for the American Cancer Society.

A fundraising event where the community can join us by: signing up a team, making a donation, or just come out to the event and walk a few laps with us in support of the Fight Against Cancer. All the money raised at our event goes to cancer research and patient services, so the money stays in the West Plains.

This year the event has moved from its long time home in Cheney to Medical Lake High School. This was a difficult move to make for many reasons. Cheney and EWU had been home to the event for 10 years, most of the support came from within the community of Cheney and EWU.

The move however was a necessary one. Since the red turf was installed at EWU’s Roos Field in 2010 that facility was no longer available to us. The next logical move was Cheney High School where the event was held the last two years. Due to the close proximity to the residents and the volume level from the event, the event received numerous complaints throughout the night.

Although changes were made to reduce the number of complaints it did not eliminate them all and they negatively affected the event’s activities.

While working with the city of Cheney to try to find a solution, it was decided the best thing to do would be to find another venue outside of Cheney.

It is our hope that the move to Medical Lake will not impact the participation from those survivors, caregivers, and participants from Cheney/EWU. Our event is on May 17 and 18 with opening ceremonies starting at 6 p.m.

If you would like to participate you can register online at http://www.relayforlife.org/westplainswa.

If you have any questions please contact me at pfbaltes@gmail.com.

Peter Baltes Chair, West Plains

Relay for Life Event