Teaming Up For Relay For Life
by Annie Young
It is about support. A small business and a worldwide organization that benefits the local area team up and magic is made.
This is the brain child of Loretta Stem and Lisa Adams, both cancer survivors, mothers, and powerhouses in our community. Loretta Stem is the chairperson of Relay for Life of Clarke County and team captain of Team Holding onto Hope. Lisa Adams is the owner of 612 Vineyard. They decided to pull together to create Wineing for a Cure.
The vineyard will host a fundraiser for Relay for Life Team, Holding onto Hope on April 26 from 1–5pm. Guests will enjoy homemade pulled pork, local salad greens donated by Young Harvests, snacks, goodies, and of course, local wine! 612 is donating a portion of all wine sales to the American Cancer Society. That day the vineyard will host Posh Pets Boutique and pet adoptions from a local animal rescue to add to the mission of local support.
Relay for Life Fundraising Campaign activities take place in 5,200 communities in 20 countries—nearly half a million people participate in these overnight fundraising walks.
Teams form and raise money throughout the year. On the day and night of Relay for Life, they camp out and walk together with others who have battled this disease. Survivors, current patients, caregivers, families and friends gather, witness, and walk in solidarity and camaraderie. The power gained through seeing a community united pulls many through the pain they have experienced; many find renewed hope in working toward a cure.
Relay for Life of Clarke County is not the largest in the area, but it raised $63.867.45 last year with 14 teams and 25 registered survivors. The Clarke County relay has raised over $55,000 for five consecutive years.
612 Vineyard literally was born after a personal loss against cancer a few years before. Adams turned her home into a vineyard where the community can relax, connect with each other and enjoy the craft wine experience.
There are so many reasons to come out for Wineing for a Cure. It is the fun of the events, the local food, delicious wine, love of animals, a sunny Sunday afternoon in the spring that lures us all. Ultimately it is also about support. Caring about each other and our neighbors. Benefiting from local businesses and raising funds to fight Cancer seems like a great way to enjoy life with those we love.
The team is also looking for volunteers. For information, 612 Vineyard, www.612vineyard.com or 540-535-6689. Relay for Life of Clarke County, www.mail.acsevents.org or 540-667-2315.
