FIRST LAP. The Survivors and Caregivers Lap begins the annual Becker Relay for Life(r) marathon fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society each year.
IN PRAYER. Pastor Rob Olsen of Becker Baptist Church gave the Invocation at the opening of the 2014 Relay for Life(r) American Cancer Society fund-raiser at the Becker Middle School last Friday night. The Honor Guard from American Legion Post 193 conducted the Presentation of the Colors to begin the event.
SAYING IT WITH FLOWERS. Becker Relay for Life(r) Co-Chair Cory Whiting presented American Cancer Society representative Kate Steinbach with a bouquet of flowers in honor of her work on the event during the opening ceremonies last Friday night.
SURVIVORS. The Becker Relay for Life(r) 2014 Honorary Survivors are Bob Reginek, left, and Jim Henry, shown here on the Survivor Lap that marks the start of the annual fund-raising marathon to benefit the American Cancer Society. The event was held at the Becker Middle School again this year.
HONOREES. Past Becker Relay for Life(r) Honorary Survivors on the first lap of the 2014 event last Friday night included Lu Schuette, left, and Paula and Greg Pruszinske. The event features 13 official teams, and raised over $53,000 for the American Cancer Society.
BY THE BOOK. Retired Becker Public Library manager Gail Wilkinson had her hands full of grandchildren at the 2014 Becker Relay for Life(r) fund raiser for cancer research at the Becker Middle School last Friday night.
SUPER NIGHT. Super-heroes and villains walked the walk at the 2014 Becker Relay for Life(r) fund raiser for the American Cancer Society last Friday at the Becker Middle School.
LONG-TERM. Colleen and Bill Kiffmeyer of Clear Lake have had a long association with the Becker Relay for Life(r) fund-raiser, she having captained the "Cancer Sucks" team for many years. Her brother, Jim Henry, is one of the 2014 Honorary Survivors introduced at the event last Friday night.
HOOP, THERE IT IS... Hula-Hoop contest at the 2014 Becker Relay for Life(r) last Friday night in the middle school parking lot.
Sun Shines On 2014 Becker Relay For Life
David Hannula, Staff Writer
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July 17th, 2014 @ 11:10 am
Though the day began with rain and threatening skies, by 6 p.m. last Friday the 2014 Becker Relay for Life® fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society conducted its opening ceremonies under bright sunshine and blue skies.
The event raised $54,055.37, according to Co-Chairperson Cory Whiting, with 13 teams officially registered for the event. The top fundraising team this year was Cutting Out Cancer, Laura Brown, captain, and the top three individual fund-raisers were Fran Seeley, (co-captain with Judy Haus) of the Building Towards a Cure team, Carolyn Blomquist, Hunters for a Cure team captain, and Cory Whiting herself.
The program began with the Presentation of the Colors by the Honor Guard from Becker American Legion Post 193, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Gabby Weber. The Invocation was given by Pastor Rob Olsen from Becker Baptist Church, who asked God’s blessing on all who struggle against the cruel disease of cancer and those who care for them.
After the introduction of corporate sponsors and individual teams and a presentation by American Cancer Society representative Kate Steinbach, 2014 Honorary Survivors Jim Henry and Bob Reginek were introduced and the “Survivor and Caregiver Lap” began to officially begin the marathon. At that time, a list of loved ones lost to cancer was read aloud by Brenda Peterson.
At sunset, the Luminaria, decorated with the names of loved ones in the fight against cancer were lit, illuminating the track set up in the Becker Middle School parking lot with flickering candles. The annual Fight Back ceremony took place at midnight, and the closing ceremonies were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
