By Chris Henry
chenry@kitsapsun.com
SOUTH KITSAP
The struggling economy has not hobbled South Kitsap Relay for Life,
set for May 29 and 30, with 58 teams signed up to participate in
the annual fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society. That’s a
healthy turnout, even in a good year, said co-organizer Mary Ann
Huntington, team development chair.
“Its huge. It’s just gotten so big,” said Huntington, now in her
sixth year volunteering for the event. “I was really figuring for
the economy we wouldn’t do well, but we have. I think people know
the money goes for research. I don’t think there’s a family in Port
Orchard that hasn’t been affected by cancer.”
Leading the survivor’s walk this year will be 12-year-old Kylie
Weatherhill, who is the youngest survivor participating in the
event.
As in years past, the Relay will center on a 24-hour walk-a-thon,
as team members take turns circling the track. Huntington estimates
there will be 500 people taking part, with at least 200 survivors,
some of whom will walk, some who won’t.
Like other Relay events, South Kitsap’s will be one big all-nighter
party, according to Huntington. There will be a pajama walk, hula
hoop contest and other diversions, as well as plenty of food
vendors to fuel participants.
The South Kitsap Relay for Life is among six other events taking
place in Kitsap County, Gig Harbor and Belfair between now and July
18.
Relay for Life Events in Kitsap and North Mason Counties
* South Kitsap Relay For Life, 6 p.m. May 29 to 2 p.m. May 30,
South Kitsap High School, 425 Mitchell Ave., Port Orchard
* Relay for Life of North Mason, begins at 7 p.m. June 12, North
Mason High School, 200 E. Campus Drive, Belfair
* Relay For Life Of Gig Harbor, 6 p.m. June 19 to noon June 20,
Goodman Middle School, 3701 38th Avenue Northwest, Gig Harbor
* Relay For Life of Bremerton/Central Kitsap, noon June 27 to noon
June 28, Central Kitsap High School 3700 NW Anderson Hill Road,
Silverdale
* Relay For Life of North Kitsap, 6 p.m. July 10 to 7 p.m. July 11,
North Kitsap Baptist Church, 20516 Little Valley Road Northeast,
Poulsbo
* Relay For Life of Bainbridge, 4 p.m. July 18 to 10 a.m. July 19,
Bainbridge High School, 9330 NE High School Road, Bainbridge
Island.
Source: National Relay for Life Web site, www.relayforlife.org and North Mason Chamber of Commerce; for more information, call the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345.
