Craig Daily Press

Craig — White paper sacks that contain LEDs symbolize the victims and survivors of cancer.

Besides the initial representation of loved ones who have struggled with the disease, many of the sacks — known as luminarias — are specially decorated by cancer sufferers or their family members. These personalized honorariums will surround the Moffat County High School track during Craig’s second annual Relay for Life.

Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, will officially begin at 6 p.m. Friday at the MCHS track. More than 500 community members comprise 39 teams of participants, who all will complete laps around the track as part of their commitment to helping the ACS fight cancer.

Yvonne McAnally, co-chairperson for the event, said the teams have so far raised more than $69,000 in their fundraising efforts, surpassing last year’s total of $68,457.73.

“We’re doing even better than we thought we would,” McAnally said.

The fundraising activities hosted by teams since the event’s February kickoff — yard sales, bake sales and more — will continue Friday. Each of the teams will offer their own individual fundraisers throughout the night, such as TLC Carpet One Floor and Home’s sale of raffle tickets for a 37-inch digital television donated by Bresnan Communications.

While many teams will offer activities later in the night, such as the sale of food and drinks, the event’s silent auction will run from 4 to 8 p.m. The auction is not specific to any team, but all money raised from it will go toward ACS.

“People all over the community have generously donated odds and ends,” auction organizer Shannon Samuelson said. “We’ve got some big items like rugs and a microwave, and we also have about 11 different gift baskets. All the baskets have themes like date night or fishing, and the sports basket has Broncos tickets and a signed picture of Ed McCaffrey. Anyone who wants to bid on something and can’t attend should call me. We’ll be accepting any other donated items until 3 p.m. Friday.”

The winning bidders will be announced at 8 p.m. when the auction ends. All luminaria sales — which will begin at noon — will end at this time, as well.

Jolene Walls, luminaria committee chairperson, said the sales of the luminaria sacks have been increasing in the past week. More than 800 have been sold altogether.

“The sales have been amazing lately, and I hope we sell a lot on Friday,” Walls said. “Most people who have purchased them have decorated them with pictures of their loved ones, poems, military things. I think it makes them more realistic and emotional, and each one tells a story.”

The LEDs that will be placed in each luminaria will be used during the Ceremony of Hope and will light up the track as the night progresses.

Luminarias still are available for $5 at Jackson’s Office Supply, or through any Relay for Life team member. Addi­tional contributions to ACS are welcome, as well.

Sarah Catlin, of Grand Junction, oversees Craig’s Relay activities as the ACS community relationship manager.

“This community has been excellent,” Catlin said. “The per capita of the money raised by Craig has already put them at Pacesetter status, which is really great for a town this size. I love coming out here and meeting the community, the sponsors, the donors, everyone that’s involved here.”

Andy Bockelman can be reached at 875-1796 or

abockelman@craigdailypress.