Event set for May 18, 19 at fairgrounds

 

PROCTORVILLE —The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Lawrence County is kicking its recruiting drive into full swing in preparation for its takeover of the Lawrence County Fairgrounds in Proctorville later this year.

Amy Schenewark, recruitment official for the event, said she is excited about the new teams that have signed up this year.

“We have some really fun teams participating this year,” Schenewark said. “The great thing is we have a lot of community group teams such as the Rome Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Proctorville Animal Clinic and the Order of the Eastern Star. It is especially exciting since the event is going to be held at the fairgrounds this year. It is such a community oriented place and is perfect to have an event like this one.”

Schenewark said community is important for Relay for Life as almost everyone has been affected by cancer in some way, whether directly or by knowing someone affected.

Joe Burgess, chief of the Rome Township Volunteer Fire Department, said it was that sense of community that made his department want to start their own team.

“We have really been trying to become more involved in the community so that the community knows who we are and that we are here to help in any way we can, not just in an emergency situation,” Burgess said. “There have been many of our members who have been on other teams or donated to the cause, but this is the first year the fire department as an organization has had a team.”

Burgess said the fire department’s team is currently comprised of about 30 people. He said that includes active and retired volunteer firefighters, friends and families.

The Fire Walkers, as they have named themselves are honored to help out and hope to do so for years to come, Burgess said.

The Relay For Life will begin Saturday, May 18 at noon and go through Sunday, May 19 at 6 a.m. at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds in Proctorville.