ROCKINGHAM — Relay for Life returns to Richmond County this weekend for the first time since the pandemic.
The event, which serves as a fundraiser for the National Cancer Society, is scheduled to be held from 5-10 p.m. at Raider Stadium on the campus of Richmond Senior High School.
Rodney Gandy, owner of the Richmond County Cancer Care Treasure Shop in Rockingham, said the financial goal for this year’s event is to raise at least $80,000.
Gandy opened the store in 2018 to support Relay for Life and raised more than $350,000 from 2021-2024.
Although Relay for Life was previously held at the high school, the most recent event in 2019 was in the parking lot of Cole Auditorium at Richmond Community College.
Following the opening ceremony will be survivor’s walk for those who are still living after battling cancer.
There will be several food vendors at Relay for Life including Chick-fil-A, Domino’s Pizza, Burger Bros, Soda Fusion and Puckered Up Lemonade.
The event will also feature entertainment from the Cameronian Boys gospel group, the RSHS band and chorus and the Fairview Heights Elementary chorus, as well as demonstrations by PKSA Karate, Bold Moves Dance Company and Dance Sensations.
Participants can pre-register at relayforlife.org/richmondnc or on site Friday afternoon.
The American Cancer Society won’t be the only beneficiary of Relay for Life.
Canned dog and cat food will be collected to help secure the luminarias — often dedicated to those who have died from, are currently battling or have survived cancer. The pet food will be donated to the Richmond County Animal Shelter after the event.
Luminarias will be sold until 8 p.m.
Gandy said he hopes the event will extend to longer hours in the future.
For more information, contact Gandy or Heather Guinn at the Treasure Shop at 910-817-9342.
