The city is about to host its first ever Relay for Life and organizers are holding a publicity-boosting kickoff for it this weekend.
The 12-hour charity event combines the best elements of tribute, celebration and triumph and it's all to benefit the Canadian Cancer Society. It starts at 7 p.m. on June 12 at the Fowler Track, meaning it's an overnight relay walk. Co-ordinator Jake Bradley is promoting luminaries — candles with personal notes attached — that will be used to light the way, starting with a dusk ceremony.
"All the luminaries will be lining the inside of the track. They will stay lit throughout the whole night. We do it every year and it is one of the features at every Relay for Life."
He is hoping that this weekend's event will boost the number of teams and participants who sign up. The organizer's goal is to raise a total of $75,000.
The kickoff takes place at 2 p.m. this Saturday at the Scotiabank in Citadel Village. Jim Hole is the honorary chairperson for the event. For more information, visit www.cancer.ca/relay or contact Bradley at 780-437-8407 or [email protected].
AGA has local art on its block tonight
Bella Totino and Brenda Kim Christiansen are just two of the many artists who have contributed their creations to this evening's Art on the Block, a major fundraiser for the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA).
It's the AGA's signature event, now in its 12th year, and it boasts a soirée with a cocktail party and silent auction of more than 80 pieces of art. Considering that at least 300 people will be in attendance, there should be some pretty fierce — and hopefully fun — bidding wars.
Media co-ordinator Sarah Hoyles encouraged everyone to check it out.
"It's quite a unique event as it is an art auction. It doesn't really compare to any other event we've had."
Tickets are $125 and the event starts at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the AGA's recently opened permanent gallery.
