Venango Relay For Life to Host Moving Tribute on September 26
(Venango County, PA) – When COVID-19 forced the planning committee of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Venango County to make the difficult decision to cancel their annual walk this year, the committee decided they wanted to still do something as a way to raise much-needed funding for the mission of the American Cancer Society while also honoring those who are battling or have lost their lives to cancer.
A county-wide Drive-Through Luminaria event was the perfect solution!
“The Luminaria event is always the most heartwarming and emotional part of Relay For Life,” noted Nikki Carey, American Cancer Society Senior Community Development Manager. “So, the committee decided to place their efforts in rallying the support of the community to pull together a powerful ceremony that will take place on Saturday, September 26.”
Beginning at 7:30 p.m. and running through 10:00 p.m., hundreds of luminaria bags will line the Sear’s parking lot area of the Cranberry Mall.
Carey added, “I’m completely humbled by the support we have received from the community in helping to fund American Cancer Society research, programs, and services.”
The American Cancer Society has never faced a threat to its mission like COVID-19. The pandemic has severely reduced their fundraising revenue and forced them to take significant cost-saving measures, which have included cuts to both non-personnel and personnel expenses.
“Cancer hasn’t stopped, and neither has the work of the American Cancer Society. We continue to engage with people where they live their lives, with a greater emphasis on the digital world in which we live. Most importantly, we continue to serve patients and attack cancer from every angle through research, education, advocacy, and patient services,” stated Carey.
The American Cancer Society invites people to drive through the Sears parking area of the Cranberry Mall in Venango County on Saturday evening, September 26, as a show of support for those battling cancer and to remember those who have lost their battle. In addition to the luminaria bags, there will be a special stop for cancer survivors along the route. The American Cancer Society asks everyone to follow social distancing guidelines and masks are required.
Anyone wishing to purchase a luminaria bag to have displayed can do so by visiting www.relayforlife.org/pavenangocounty.
The American Cancer Society is extremely grateful to have the support of event corporate sponsors UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Giant Eagle, PHN Charitable Foundation, Deer Meadow Campground, Komatsu, Clarion County Community Bank, T-4 Rentals LTD, and First United National Bank.
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle.
For more information go to www.cancer.org.