Never underestimate the power of purple.
Members of the Franklin County Relay for Life Committee will be painting the county purple during the month of April to promote cancer awareness in advance of next month's annual Relay for Life.
The committee, under the leadership of Relay for Life Chairperson Belinda Johnson, works year-round to promote cancer awareness in the community and it received some assistance Thursday from Franklin County Probate Judge Barry Moore and Russellville Mayor David Grissom, as they officially proclaimed April as the Power of Purple Month in Franklin County and the City of Russellville.
“I personally support the Relay for Life each year and as mayor, I'm glad to show my support for this great cause through this annual proclamation,” Grissom said. “We really appreciate the hard work of the many volunteers who help make the Relay for Life a success in Franklin County each year. Their tireless efforts have certainly helped many people right here close to home,” Grissom added.
Johnson said the fund-raising goal for this year's event is $95,000. Last year in Alabama, the American Cancer Society funded more than $3.2 million in cancer research through money raised in communities across the state.
Although it's held at Russellville High School's football stadium, the Relay for Life is truly a county-wide event that features activities for all ages.
“This is not a Russellville event. It's for all of Franklin County and its communities. The Relay for Life is a family-friendly event,” committee member Jolene Stockton said.
This year's Relay for Life will feature a “Carnival” theme, with teams organizing carnival games, activities and of course, plenty of carnival snack treats will be available.
Elsa and Anna from Disney's Frozen will hold a meet and greet for kids. Autographed books will be available and there will be photo opportunities for children.
Musical entertainment will be provided by Joel Aldridge & SRX and Waywhileago.
More than 30 teams have registered to participate, an increase of 50 percent over the 2014 Relay for Life.
The Brookewood and Friends Relay for Life Team is selling purple ribbons for $10 that businesses and individuals can display to show support in the fight against cancer. To purchase a bow, contact Stockton at 256-332-0748.
The Relay for Life Committee will host a Cancer Survivors Dinner Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at 7 p.m. , at the A.W. Todd Centre. All cancer survivors and a guest of their choice are invited to attend. Guests are asked to RSVP by email at relayforlifefranklincountyal@gmail.com.
The 2015 Franklin County Relay for Life is set for Friday, May 1, 2015, and will carry over into the morning of Saturday, May 2.
