By Emily Williams
According to the team behind Mountain Brook High School’s 2016 Relay for Life event, this year is all about reaching out.
An annual event hosted by many local high schools, Relay for Life traditionally includes a fundraising campaign for the American Cancer Society held throughout the school year and culminating in a large event in the spring. But Mountain Brook’s event had “died down” in the past few years, said Ellie Gorman, one of this year’s co-directors.
So this year, the planning committee for the relay is making it its mission to not just extend the event’s reach within the school, but within the community.
“Cancer affects all of us, so we want everyone to be involved,” Gorman said.
One of the ways the team is spreading the word is by hosting the first-ever Relay Freaky 5K, a family- and costume-friendly run that will take place Oct. 29 at 8 a.m. in Crestline Village.
“We thought that a 5K was perfect because this is such an active community,” said Katie Pharo,
one of the junior directors this year.
Even though it is the first time the team has planned any kind of run, Pharo said it has been fairly easy thanks to city officials and support from the community.
“We’ve had sponsors donate things like water and cups, and a few local printers have made posters for us to spread around the community,” Pharo said.
Merchants have also donated various items that will be included in race bags as well as special gift bags that will be handed out to participants who are cancer survivors.
The students hope that the race will spark more participation in the ongoing fundraising aspect of the Relay for Life campaign. Sign-up already is open online for teams that wish to participate in the spring event, and the student organizers have been spreading the word on campus and passing donation buckets at football games.
“Cancer is something that touches everybody’s lives,” Gorman said. “Being able to help raise money for such a worthy cause that effects so many people is worth all of the work.”
In addition to calling upon the help of local businesses, the team has been reaching out to local cancer survivors who could be recognized at the race.
“Working behind the scenes, we’ve gotten to know some of the survivors,” Pharo said. “That’s one of the most rewarding things.”
The team has set an attendance goal of 200 for the race.
“We want everyone to come,” said co-director Charlotte Kinney. “Kids, adults, everyone. My grandmother is even coming.”
Kinney’s immediate family has signed up for the run as a team and has coordinated costumes.
“I don’t want anybody to steal our idea,” Kinney warned. “We’re going to be the characters from ‘Despicable Me.’” She noted that her favorite character pairing is probably her grandmother, who will be dressed as a minion.
The team is hoping that the race will inspire some of the attendees to get a jump start on fundraising for the spring event, but just in case, they hope to plan a holiday event in December as a little reminder.
“We’re having to be actively involved in the community throughout this process,” Kinney said. “So, that responsibility gives us the opportunity to learn so many leadership skills.”
Pharo added that it helps to have each other to lean on for support along with three other team members and two teachers who sponsor the club.
For those who want to join in on the race, registration is $35 and closes on Oct. 25.
“Everyone who signs up will get a T-shirt and a race bag – and free water!” Gorman said.
For more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/AL/Birmingham/RelayFreaky5K2016.
