In 2008, Vinton held its first Relay for Life after branching off from Roanoke County’s event. Today, the small town proves its residents are a dedicated bunch, as Vinton’s Relay ranks number one in the state for raising the most money per capita. Members of the committee who helped start the event say the overwhelming community support makes the hard work all worthwhile.
Up for the Challenge
Gathered around a table eating pizza in November 2007, a group of 16 people interested in hosting Relay for Life in Vinton set a date for their first event, April 18, 2008. Thus began a journey to raise community awareness about cancer, a disease that affects so many lives.
In fact, Carolyn Williams, who initiated the first meeting after being approached by Annie Cooper with the American Cancer Society, was battling cancer herself at the time. She says she was eager to help and ready to take on the challenge of holding such a large event.
“Our first year, we did everything ourselves,” she recalls. “We had fun. I was still on chemo but was able to walk that year.”
The next year, the group formed a committee and became committee chairs for all areas of Vinton Relay (sponsorship, team recruitment, accounting, luminaries, etc.), says Williams.
A Family Affair
It was only fitting that the theme for the first Relay was “We are Family,” as most Vinton residents agree their small town resembles a close-knit family.
“We have so much love for one another in this community,” says Bootie Bell Chewning, one of the committee members. “And so many of us have been touched by cancer in some way, so we understand the importance of raising money to find a cure.”
Vinton residents have come out full force in their efforts to make Relay for Life a success. Teams hold yard sales, car washes, chili cook-offs and other fundraising events or activities throughout the year.
Bob’s Restaurant forms a team each year and always comes through with a large amount of funds. The restaurant held a prime rib dinner this year and sold out quickly. Plus, many individuals, like Williams, send letters or make phone calls to family and friends requesting donations.
The Town of Vinton and local businesses have been supportive over the years as well by sponsoring the event, or providing needed supplies and other services, says Chewning.
Angie Chewning, executive director of the Vinton Chamber of Commerce, says participating in Relay, “gets in your blood.”
“If you Relay once, you Relay for life,” she says. “I’ve been participating since 1991 and bring my family. The kids look forward to it every year.”
The committee hopes that as more Relays occur in Vinton, more people become aware of what the event is all about.
“Some people don’t even know what Relay is,” says Bootie Chewning. “We’re here to educate people. I’ve been asked why it lasts all night; it’s because cancer never sleeps.”
Proof is in the Numbers
Just how dedicated are the committee members and Vintonites to Relay for Life? The amount of money raised has grown from $23,000 in 2008 to $100,781 in 2012. In addition to being #1 per capita for money raised, the Relay team named Flower Children ranked #7 in fundraising for the Western Virginia Area and #45 in the South Atlantic Division in 2012. At press time, 2013 numbers were not available.
“We’re proud of how this event has taken hold and the community embraced it,” says Bootie Chewning.
