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Houston County Relay for Life this weekend
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By Tom Murphy
Caledeonia Argus
The annual Houston County Relay for Life will be held at Caledonia Area Elementary School starting at 6 p.m., Friday, Aug. 1. The American Cancer Society benefit will continue until 6 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 2.
Co-chair Glenda Miller will welcome people to the event at 6 p.m. The National Anthem will be sung. An invocation follows by Pastor Debra Meyer of United Church of Christ, Eitzen.
Event sponsors will be recognized and thanked at this point. The 2008 list includes Eitzen State Bank; Farmers Elevator; Merchants Bank; Ace Communications; American Legion Loveless-Eikens, Caledonia; Spring Grove Communication & Fitness; American Legion, Spring Grove.
“Kjersten’s Story,” a narrative written by this year’s honorary co-chairperson, Kjersten Snell of Houston, will be read by her mother, Melinda Hanson of Decorah, Iowa. The narrative chronicles the battle of Kjersten Snell of Houston. She is a survivor of esophageal cancer. Kjersten and her family will be in attendance. Her team, “Team Tiki Time”, is also participating.
New to this year’s program is a “Fight Back” address from event co-chairperson Jane Schiltz. People will be asked to pledge to find ways to fight back for yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
Another feature will be recognition of caregivers to victims of cancer. Any act of kindness qualifies one as a caregiver.
Entertainment will follow with Charlie Warner on his guitar from 7-7:45 p.m. Pat Kaufman will perform from 8-8:45 p.m.
At 9 p.m., the luminary ceremony will begin and the survivor walk will be held. Margaret Zieke will offer “Amazing Grace” on a bagpipe during this time. Then, the luminaries will be lit and the all-night walk will follow.
At least 30 teams have signed up this year, up from last year’s 24 teams.
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