Phoenixville Relay for Life Has Sweet Kickoff

If you’re thinking of getting a team together for the next Relay for Life in Phoenixville, now’s the time to get moving.

The committee behind the Relay held a kickoff event on Wednesday to get the ball rolling on fundraising, sign-ups and the overall feeling of camaraderie that comes with the Relay for Life in Phoenixville.

“We try to keep the community involved all year rather than just one day,” said Jennifer Epps, co-chair of the 2012 Phoenixville Relay for Life.

The event’s website shows 235 days left until the Relay, which will be held May 21 at Valley Forge Christian College. Organizers hope to make the most of that time, and they’re busy planning fundraisers, the Survivors’ Dinner and Bark for Life.

Furry friends are invited out on Oct. 9 to Reeves Park to take part in dog costume contests, raffles and, of course, a jaunt around the park at the annual Bark for Life event. It’s a one-mile walk that will help raise money for the American Cancer Society.

For those without pups, All 4 Paws Rescue will be on hand to dole out dogs. That’s right—you can rent a pup, free of charge, for the event. It’s a win-win for the rescue and relay participants, according to Shelley Endrey, chair of the Bark for Life event. At a recent event in Downingtown, Endrey said 13 dogs found new homes at a Bark for Life event.

The event is also a fundraising success. Last year, 64 dogs made the circuit around Reeves Park and the event raised nearly $4,000.

“We’re hoping to beat those numbers,” Endrey said.

The dog costume contest is a highlight, and in the past, memorable costumes included a little dog dressed as a pirate—complete with pirate ship—and a pup dressed like a pumpkin. Bark for Life participants will receive a dog bandana. In addition, a canine caricaturist will be on hand, and participants can take part in a “bloominaria” bulb sale.

For the bloominaria, participants can purchase bulbs either to take home or to be planted near Reservoir Dogs Park to honor and remember canine companions.

“Bark for Life is a good chance to honor the pets for being caregivers, too,” said Jean Garman, a co-chair for the 2012 Relay for Life of Phoenixville.

At Wednesday’s kickoff event, held at Petrucci’s Ice Cream and Water Ice in Phoenixville, participants chatted and caught up.

“We haven’t seen each other since the event,” Garman said.

With the kickoff, participants can now start signing up and raising money.  A theme for the 2012 Relay is still being determined, and the race is open to anyone who’d like to participate.

“It’s a family event,” said Jamie Gold, the representative from the American Cancer Society for the Phoenixville event. “It’s a community event. Families, friends, co-workers, organizations—any group that wants to spend 24 hours walking together—can all get involved. It’s a great bonding experience.”

To find out more about the 2012 Relay for Life of Phoenixville or to get involved, visit the Relay for Life website.