Many events have taken place since I wrote my last blog in July.  The Committee hosted a Survivors' Reception.  Atwater hosted its 85th Anniversary Celebration at Veteran's Park in August.  Although I was unable to attend, the Relay for Life of Atwater was present spreading the mission of the American Cancer Society and inviting the community to join the Relay for Life.  My team, Family & Friends, held a 2-day carwash and bake sale raising about $300.  We could have potentially raised more had we promoted the Relay for Life better, but we did well considering we were competing with three other fundraising car washes.  Only one week before Relay, Atwater hosted its annual Fall Festival in Ralston Park.  Again, the Relay for Life of Atwater was present spreading the mission and inviting the community.

The 5th Annual Relay for Life of Atwater began on September 22nd, 2007.  The forecast called for rain and rain it did!  The morning began with only a light sprinkle, but about an hour before the relay was scheduled to begin the rain poured down on us.  Although wet our spirits were high and we continued with only slight delays.  Surprisingly, by noon the rain had left and the weather for the remainder of the relay was great.

The theme for this year’s relay was “Atwater Goes to the Movies.”  As the Mission Delivery Chair it was my responsibility to recruit teams to help promote the mission of the American Cancer Society through various activities.  It was then up to the teams to incorporate their own mission delivery activity into their movie theme.  Spirit Points were used along with a “Relay Guide”* to promote interaction and involvement between participants and teams.

Curves kicked off the mission delivery activities with a great skit and warm-up.  One of their team members dressed up as Jane Bond and spoke on the importance of physical activity in reducing the risk of various cancers.  Another member then approached the activity wearing a black t-shirt reading “Cancer”.  Jane Bond then chased cancer around participants finally catching her and tearing the cancer away from her.  The remaining Curves team members then led the participants in a quick warm-up to get the blood going.

The Coleman Campers then presented us with the Road to Recovery Car Show and Race.  Nine teams created cars our of primarily of cardboard.  A few examples of the cars include the #8 Nascar, the Boobie Mobile, a Ship, and a Popcorn Box.  Participants voted for the Best in Show award.  A committee was formed to vote for the Best Mission Delivery Message award.  And awards were given to the first and second place teams of the actual race.

In the afternoon, I hid four paper polyps around the relay for the Hunt the Polyp activity.  From the stage it was announced polyps were hidden around the relay and prized would be awarded to those who find them.  The first couple of polyps were found quite easily.  The third polyp took a little longer, but was found after only about 15 minutes.  There was a minor complication with the final and fourth polyp.  It was hidden on the ambulance at the relay.  They received a call and had to promptly leave taking the polyp with them.  I attempted to hide another polyp, but participants were watching my every move.  I then enlisted a guest DJ at the event to hide the polyp.  Even I did not know where this one was hidden and participants kept asking for clues.  Finally a clue was given and 5 minutes later the last polyp was found.

Various activities took place at the campsites of many teams.  At the mission delivery campsite we presented “America CAN Picture a Cure” where participants were given the opportunity to share their story.  The Family and Friends of Carol Stinson campsite hosted “Check It Out!” promoting breast health awareness.  Flaherty Stars for a Cure presented “Treasure Your Chest” promoting the importance of mammograms.  “The Information Prize Wheel” was presented by Guardian Angels.  My team, Family & Friends, presented a “Trail Mix Station” promoting healthy eating.  The First Baptist Church of Atwater presented “Slip!  Slop!  Slap!  Wrap! Citations” and the “Road to Recovery License Plate Challenge.”  Team Sisters presented the “Research Sandwich Board.”  The AliCats presented “Tobacco Tombs” and “Butts Are Gross” activities.  The First Baptist Church of Winton presented “Relaying the Research.”

Having cheered all day at football games, the Atwater Falcon Youth Cheerleaders stopped by.  All three squads performed various routines.  This was a hard act to follow. 

After the cheerleaders were done it was time for the Education & Spirit Awards Ceremony.  Miss Atwater Holly Holt, who is also our Kids Kamp Chair, joined me in presenting the winners with awards.  We presented the prizes to those who found the polyps.  Ribbons were presented to the winners of the Road to Recovery Car Show & Race.  The final award to be presented was the Spirit Award.  The Spirit Award is a perpetual plaque given to the team with the most spirit points. 

At this point, my job was mostly done.  My 10-year high school reunion was the same night of the relay.  Although I did not attend, I did leave the relay for a few hours to meet with some old friends.  I returned late at night and things had tamed down a bit.  I sat with a few different committee members talking about the day’s events and ideas for next year before settling down for a few hours of sleep. 

I walked the final hour on the track for my team.  They had done a wonderful job of keeping someone on the track and taking care of our mission delivery activity.  We all walked the final lap together and concluded a great Relay for Life Experience! 

_{*I will write another blog describing how to design and use your own “Relay Guide.”}