March 29, 2024

Slipstream to perform during Jasper County Relay for Life

Community encouraged to form teams by early April

The Jasper County Relay for Life is a local summer tradition that acts as community source of motivation and inspiration for survivors and those fighting cancer and their families. It’s an opportunity to invite the community to show their support and unite for a night of fun, food, music and inspiration.

The Jasper County Relay for Life 2015 will be from 6 to 11 p.m. June 5 at H.A. Lynn Stadium in Newton.

The money raised for the event helps support American Cancer Society programs in research, education, advocacy and patient and family support both locally and statewide.

Relay for Life involves teams of people who take turns walking around the track lit in luminaries in honor of a person who has cancer or has passed away from the disease.

The evening will consist of a survivors lap, a dinner, entertainment and the lighting of the luminaries. Organizers were able to find a well-known source of music from the band Slipstream.

Slipstream is a band from Newton and Des Moines which performs a mix of classic and soft rock from the 70s to today, from bands such as Boston, REO Speedwagon, Van Morrison and Led Zepplin to Journey, Adele, Heart and Train.

Band members include Tim Dawson, Dave Heck, Mike Maly, Rick Maly, Kim Schnell, Kimberly Schnell, Dean Stonner and Randy Wadle.

“We’re excited to be able to contribute to the success of the Jasper County Relay for Life held in Newton and look forward to the community coming out to support the cause,” Slipstream said in a news release.

Teams

Organizers want to encourage those in the community to form more teams.

“Everybody’s been touched by cancer. Forming a team is a great way to honor somebody, or do something in memory of someone, to celebrate the people that are still fighting the fight,” Jasper County Team Recruitment Chairman Relay for Life Karen Clark said.

A team could be two people or more. A team’s function is to raise funds for research, education, awareness and support for patients and their families and to walk the track throughout the five-hour event.

Teams, for example, could be a few members of a family, a small group of friends, individuals from a club or organization, church members or coworkers.

Organizers would like to see someone from each team on the track at any given time.

“It symbolizes that the people who are walking the walk never get a day off from fighting,” Clark said.

Teams should sign up by early April.

There is no cost for a team to sign-up, but each team member is encouraged to raise money as their part in the Jasper County Relay for Life.

To form a team, visit www.relayforlife.org/jaspercountyia. For further information, contact Karen Clark at 641-792-0530 or skclark@iowatelecom.net.

Survivors Lap

Jasper County Relay for life will begin with a special introduction — a survivors lap.

Any cancer survivor in the community is asked to join with fellow survivors in for the lap. This is a celebration of these individuals courageous battle. Family members are asked to walk along their loved ones as well.

Survivors are asked to register for the lap by 5:15 p.m. the night of the event, June 5. Each survivor will receive a special T-shirt that indicates they are a survivor.

Luminary

The event will feature a candlelight ceremony to pay tribute to those who have been affected by cancer. Luminaries are purchased in advanced and will be lit around 9 p.m. June 5. Luminaries honor those who have survived their battle with cancer, those who are still fighting and in memory of those who have passed in battle with the disease.

Each luminary costs $10 and may be purchased online, by mail or at Pence-Reese Funeral Home, 310 N. Second Ave. E. in Newton.

Visit www.relayforlife.org/jaspercountyia or the 2015 Jasper County Relay for Life page on Facebook.

Culvers Fundraising Nights

There are two upcoming fundraising nights for teams at Culver’s, 1650 W. 19th St. S. in Newton: April 14 (PEO Chapter ME and Vernon Life Supporters) and May 13 (Stepping Stones and Douglas Cancer Crusaders). All money earned will go toward these teams fundraising efforts. There will also be bake sales and various other efforts around town prior to the June 5.

Sponsorship

For information about event sponsorship, contact Carol Hopkey at 641-275-0494.

Contact Kate Malott at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or kmalott@newtondailynews.com