Volunteers with the Hamilton/Wayne/White Relay For Life are celebrating another successful year of fundraising and community support in the fight against cancer.
Event Chair Janice Crow thanked the many individuals, teams, sponsors, survivors, and volunteers who helped make the event a success, saying the communities came together in a tremendous display of generosity and compassion.
The evening began with an Opening Ceremony featuring the National Anthem performed by Shiloh Willis and McKenna Casey, presentation of the colors by the Piopolis Busy Bees, and an opening prayer by Nolene Rubenacker. Cancer survivors then took the honorary first lap around the track, followed by entertainment from Clay Rapp.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Kathy Smith Volunteer Award to Cindy Anselment. The Team Excellence Award was presented to Friends For Life, which raised $12,116 during the 2025 Relay season.
The annual Luminaria Ceremony featured 501 luminaries glowing in honor and memory of loved ones affected by cancer. The event concluded with a prayer led by Michelle Lueke and The Saints Relay Team.
Relay organizers say donations for the 2026 season will continue to be accepted through August 31st. Anyone wishing to contribute can contact a Relay volunteer, Cindy Anselment at Banterra Bank, or donate online through the Relay For Life website.