St. Charles North students plan Relay For Life
Ben Gaddis and his classmates at St. Charles North High School have their minds set on making a difference before graduation day.
So this year, they're adding a Relay For Life fundraiser to an already growing list of community service projects for students.
"A goal for a lot of us is to make North a really community-oriented school," said Gaddis, 17, who is helping organize the event through the North's Galaxy Council.
"We're educated all the time about things going on in the world," he added. "Opportunities like Relay For Life give us the chance to say something about that."
Relay For Life is a 24-hour walking event that raises money for the American Cancer Society while honoring cancer victims and survivors. Gaddis said he believes North is the first school in the Tri-Cities to do its own Relay, a popular event among various community service groups across the region.
The fundraiser is planned from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday on the football track at North, 255 Red Gate Road.
Nearly 200 walkers on 32 teams have already signed up and raised pledges of about $6,500, and they still are pursuing several corporate sponsorships.
North's inaugural Relay For Life features a candlelight ceremony at dusk to remember cancer victims. Several bands made up of high-schoolers also are scheduled to perform, along with the drill team, magicians and clowns. There also will be a fireworks show at 11 p.m. by Mad Bomber Fireworks Productions, said Gaddis, a junior.
"Everyday, new people come out of the woodwork saying they want to do something," he said.
The fundraiser is in addition to other projects by Galaxy Council, which Gaddis described as a student group that acts as a liaison to all North extracurricular clubs.
In recent years, the council also prepared turkey dinners for needy families on Thanksgiving and collected jars of peanut butter and jelly for local food pantries.
Gaddis said his classmates hope the momentum spreads to other schools.
"If North could be like a beacon for that (community service), it would be great," he said. "North could do our part, and other schools could do their parts. And all those little parts could make this whole society a lot better."
To get involved, go to www.relayforlifestcharles.com or call the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345.
Relay for Life
What: St. Charles North High School's inaugural Relay For Life fundraiser
When: 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday
Where: The football track at North, 255 Red Gate Road
Why: To raise money for the American Cancer Society and honor cancer victims
Entertainment: Live music, magicians, clowns, a drill team performance and a fireworks show
More information: www.relayforlifestcharles.com or call (800) 227-2345