Relay for Life walkathon starts Friday

Whitefish’s Relay for Life walkathon is

slated to start Friday, June 17 at 6 p.m. at the Whitefish High

School track and finish at 8 a.m. the following day.

The American Cancer Society’s local

awareness and fundraising group is aiming to raise at least $35,000

during the annual event. There are currently 128 participants and

19 teams registered to help reach that goal.

North Valley Hospital has the largest

team with 15 members, while Park Side Credit Union is currently

leading the way in online fundraising with $2,137. Individually,

Joan Werner leads in online donations with $1,460.

Event chair Michelle Howke noted that

the group met and even exceeded their goal last year, despite the

tough economic climate.

A few additions to this year’s event

include “minute to win it” games, a dunk tank sponsored by North

Valley Hospital, a group performing the “Thriller” dance, and a

bouncy house sponsored by Glacier Medical Associates. Care-giver

pendants are also available for $10.

Vendors will be on site with food and

they will donate 15 percent of their proceeds to the cause. On-site

fundraisers include raffles and bake sales.

The survivor lap is scheduled for 6

p.m. with the luminary set for dusk at around 10 p.m. For more

information go online to www.whitefishrelay.com or call Howke at

261-7942.