2021 Effingham County Relay for Life is Friday Night

The 2021 Relay for Life of Effingham County is coming up this Friday night.

The annual event designed to support the fight against cancer will again take place at Teutopolis Junior High School. Activities are planned from 5 to 10pm. You might recall that there wasn't a Relay last year due to COVID-19, other than a special drive-through luminaria event.

While things are coming back to normal this year, precautions are still being taken, especially considering that those battling cancer can have a weakened immune system.

Opening Ceremonies at 5pm will include the invocation by Patti Chapman of Crossroots Church, the National Anthem by Jenna Kremer and Isabel Lee, a rendition of "God Bless America" by Bailey Niccum, presentation of the colors by Effingham VFW Post #1769, Effingham American Legion Post #120, and Effingham DAV Chapter #7, and a presentation by Survivor Speaker Scott Repking.

The Survivor Ceremony and the Survivor Laps will begin at 5:30pm, earlier than in the past. The Survivor and Caregiver laps will start immediately after the Opening Ceremony. A series of laps are planned this year by age groups to honor social distancing and the safety of those in attendance.

Singer Brooke Rupel will perform at 6:30pm, followed by music by the band Rabbit in Red about 7:30pm. 

The Luminaria Ceremony will begin at 8:45pm, followed by the Closing Ceremony at 10pm. A reminder that luminaria are available for purchase at our studios at Fayette and Willow between 8am and 4pm weekdays this week. Each luminaria is $10.

Not to be forgotten will be a host of food booths.

Additionally, a silent auction will begin at 8am Wednesday. Over 200 items are being auctioned off this year. The silent auction link is www.32auctions.com/effcorfl2021. Bids will be accepted through Wednesday, July 14 at 6pm. The high bidders can pick up their items on Friday, July 16 at Christ's Church on Veterans Drive in Effingham between 5 and 8pm. 

A reminder that Wayne and Kenna will be broadcasting live from Relay for Life Friday from 4 to 6pm as part of The Drive Home.