By HELEN WILLIAMS
BRANDON-In 1997, the Neshobe School Relay for Life Team was started by Kerry Clifford, a paraeducator at Neshobe Elementary School, long time Brandon resident, and a Survivor (someone who has had or is currently battling cancer). Relay for Life is an annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Kerry fought her breast cancer with courage and determination until January 7, 2014. Her legacy team continues.
In the first year of the team, Kerry invited co-workers at the school as well as family and friends to walk with her, the object being to have a team member on the track at all times. She had a lightsaber to be carried while you were walking. Rutland County Relay for Life was then held on the Rutland High School athletic field. Teams put up tents to gather under to get out of the sun, or sometimes rain, when not walking. The event started Saturday morning and continued until Sunday morning. When the high school updated their field, the Relay moved to the CVPS grounds, now Green Mountain Power.
In 2011, Rutland County Relay for Life was held at the Rutland Fairgrounds, where it continues. We now have the Opening Ceremony at noon on Saturday and end with a Closing Ceremony on Sunday morning. In 2015, a few of us stayed through the night for the first time and have continued to do so except for the years of Covid. It is hard to stay up all night after being busy all day, but each year we do better. I think the fact that we are present counts as being supportive of our Survivors. The night hours are the hardest to go through. Luminaria line the track and shine through the night, even when we can’t.
Our team has changed over the years, losing some members to cancer and gaining new Survivors and Supporters. We are now named Neshobe School and Friends. Our fundraising has also changed, from mainly soliciting donations before the event to having a basket raffle the day of the relay. We sell tickets throughout the day and draw the winners’ names just before dark. Last year, we had so many donated items, along with our baskets, that we sold tickets ahead of the event. We are currently selling tickets for this year’s relay and have over 25 items that can be won. For the past 2 years we have had a fall raffle with limited tickets. The 5 winners can take home money, from $100 to $500. Last summer, we hosted a Spaghetti Supper as part of the Basin Bluegrass Festival. We also sold breakfast sandwiches every morning. We will be doing this again this year.
You may have seen or heard about this year’s raffle on Facebook or on our page, Neshobe School and Friends. We will have a display at Scheck’s, between the Brandon Post Office and the liquor store, beginning May 15, where you can see more about us and view some of the raffle items.
On May 19, Mae’s Restaurant is hosting a luminaria-making party. Luminaria line the Relay for Life track from dusk until daylight. For $5.00, you can make one in honor of someone battling cancer or in memory of someone who has lost their battle. We will provide the bags and supplies to decorate them. Come join us this Friday.
Rutland County Relay for Life is taking place at the Rutland Fairgrounds on June 3 & 4, 2023. It is free and open to the public. Come join us and experience the great feeling you get from supporting our efforts to combat cancer and to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Someday we hope there will be no more cancer.
