Relay for Life is meant to honor, recognize and remember those who have fought against cancer. The event has gone dark in Taylor, but a group of locals plan to light the path in a different way.
The New Century Club will host Luminaries on the Square Friday, April 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Heritage Square in downtown Taylor.
“This event is to celebrate with survivors and caregivers. And, to encourage those that are still in the battle,” said Anne Wentrcek, club president. “To support those who have lost loved ones. We’ve all been affected.”
Since the 1950s, the New Century Club has raised money for the American Cancer Society. After Relay for Life moved out of Taylor, the organization’s fundraising stopped.
“We really had no purpose anymore,” Wentrcek said. “That is the only mission they have.”
To try and fulfill their mission, Wentrcek came up with an idea to bring purpose back to the group.
“God put it on my heart. He said, ‘Why not bring back this part of Relay (For Life), the luminaria part,’” she said. “I just want our people that are going through it and grieving through it to know they are not alone. We have a community that stands with them.”
During the event, Heritage Square will be lined with luminaries, which are bags with lights inside to represent the fight against cancer. Live entertainment will include singer Major Smith from Austin, The First Baptist Church (Robinson Street) choir and music by John Youngblood.
The luminaria service will be a walk around Heritage Square led by survivors as a remembrance of those who lost their cancer battle.
“I’m not a part of the club, but I’ve very proud of them for doing this,” said Irene Michna, a cancer survivor, who plans to attend and ride her scooter.
Scott Morales Catering will have food available in the park.
The New Century Club is not trying to restart Relay for Life with this event.
“People seem very excited about this onenight celebration and the remembrance of it,” said Mary Linda Hayes, a cancer survivor. “If that continues, that will be wonderful.”
The event is free to the community, including getting a luminaria. There will be boxes for anyone would like to drop a donation.
“If anyone wants to personalize a bag, they just pick one up,” Wentrcek said about luminaries at the event. “They can personalize it and then go put it where they want.”
Survivors and caregivers will have an opportunity to speak at the event.
“This is a way of sharing and encouragement,” Wentrcek said. “Cancer doesn’t distinguish between cultures, your financial conditions. It attacks and it’s vicious. When Jerry (her husband) died, it was a blessing to me to have that support to grieve with. We’ve walked it together, and I can be a support to them.”
