The Festival of Hope at Melton Lake Park in Oak Ridge on Friday raised $50,000 for the American Cancer Society, a press release said.
The Festival of Hope opened with Matt Hinkin from WATE-TV as the emcee, the press release said. Opening ceremonies recognized more than 60 area cancer survivors who attended.
That was followed by the Cancer Survivors lap down the peninsula, where survivors were cheered on by the participants and public. Each survivor was provided a purple cancer survivor’s T-shirt and had a medallion placed around their neck by Lynda Vinyard and Kim Monroe, the press release said.
Teams participating at the event included Professional Case Management, St. Mark United Methodist Church in Clinton, Oak Ridge Veterinary, Clinton Physical Therapy Center, Fast Pace Urgent Care, Oak Ridge Baptist Church, Barry Sanders family team, and Lynda Vinyard family team.
“Attendees enjoyed some great music provided by Barry Jolly on acoustic guitar and the lively band, 110 in the Shade,” the press release said. “The Ghostbusters were also on premises to keep the kids entertained, and several people participated in a karate demonstration. A silent auction held during the event provided some friendly competition and raised over $2,000. The evening concluded with a touching luminaria ceremony at 9:30, when over 300 luminaria bags were lit in honor of cancer survivors or people living with cancer and in memory of those we love who have died from cancer.”
The money raised at the event will be used by the American Cancer Society to fund research, community support programs, education programs, and advocacy efforts, the press release said.
“Everyone in the community who participated as a volunteer, participated as a team member, donated money, or just came out to enjoy the event should be proud of the part they took in fighting this terrible disease,” the release said.
If you would like to volunteer to assist with future American Cancer Society events in Anderson County, contact Kelly Lenz at (865) 457-1649.
“Together, we can win this battle!” the press release said.
It gave a special thanks to event sponsors Powell Clinch Utility District, PCM/Professional Case Management, Clinton Physical Therapy Center, Centrus, Mortgage Investors Group, WATE-TV, and WYSH radio.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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