Cancer Walk returning to W-P

By Tim Barnum
News Editor | news@ogemawherald.com

WHITTEMORE - The Whittemore-Prescott chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) is hosting its second Cancer Walk at the high school track at dusk Oct. 30.

SADD Adviser Michelle Bassi said the event will have some similarities to Relay For Life.

“We will have a survivor lap,” she said. “We will be selling luminaria bags. And other groups are getting involved. We're trying to raise $2,500 for Making Strides.”

All the money collected from the fundraiser, no matter which group collected it, will be donated to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Ogemaw County, Bassi said, although the event is not associated with Relay For Life or the American Cancer Society.

“This is completely separate. We just put all the money in the same kitty,” she said. “The cheerleaders did a raffle last Friday at the football game. The teachers are selling cookies.”

Bassi added the senior class, criminal justice class and FFA are also participating in fundraising for the event.

“We've got about two-thirds of the student body, I'd say, that are working very hard for this goal,” she said.

People can also donate at the walk, Bassi said.

“They can buy luminaria bags, and we'll have also have a canister (for donations),” she said.

SADD's goal was $2,500 last year as well, but the first Cancer Walk came up just below its fundraising target.

“Last year we were about $160 short,” she said.

Despite missing the financial goal, Bassi said the first Cancer Walk still drew many people.

“It was great,” she said. “We had a super turnout and the weather was good.”

She added this year's walk will be held no matter what the weather.

According to Bassi, the Cancer Walk was started last year as a SADD community service activity.

“In the group, we have to have a community service project,” she said. “Last year, because we have so many people affected by cancer, we decided to do (the walk).”

For more information on the Cancer Walk fundraiser at W-P, contact the high school at 989-756-2501.