If there’s one thing Bev Jorgensen’s passion can do…. it’s turn the Valley purple in support of her annual cancer research fundraiser – Relay for Life.
So if you’re walking or driving around and notice purple ribbons and painted storefronts, you’ll know once again it’s Snoqualmie Valley community members “purpling up” for this year’s cancer fundraising event.
February 1st – 14th has been declared Paint The Valley Purple by the leader team of Snoqualmie Valley Relay for Life – and the show of support around the community is pretty amazing.
Committee members have been busy distributing fliers and posters to get the whole community involved – businesses are painting windows purple, creating purple displays, wearing purple and other creative ideas.
You don’t have to be a business owner to participate either. Individuals and neighborhoods can support the purple movement. Need help getting those windows painted? Email Snoqualmie.relay@gmail.com and they can help you out.
It’s hard to find someone these days who hasn’t had their life touched directly or indirectly by cancer – myself included. In just a matter of three short weeks 7 years ago, kidney cancer took my dad. Just like that. No chemo. No battle. Cancer isn’t pretty and it can pick anyone.
So – a commonly asked question is why all the purple? Bev Jorgensen says purple is the signature color of Relay For Life and they are spreading the word to create awareness in order to increase the number of local fundraising teams to support cancer survivors and the families of those who have lost the battle.
RFL supports all areas of cancer. While the focus is on fundraising to support research, there is also a lot of support for families fighting the disease who need things like transportation, lodging and other resources.
RFL celebrates 30 years this year (founded in Tacoma Wa in 1985). This is the Snoqualmie Valley chapter’s 14th year of involvement. Bev says every year it “gets stronger and better.”
The local Relay for Life Kick off is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10th from 5-7PM at the North Bend Theatre. Community members don’t have to join or belong to attend either.
They’ll l have some great guest speakers, information, activities for all ages, entertainment, food and a silent auction. Organizers say it’s a great family night and a good time to see what RFL is all about.
Immediately following the kickoff event, RFL will launch its first major fundraiser for 2015: the movie The Fault in our Stars will be shown at the North Bend Theatre at 7PM, with the cost of the movie ($10) benefitting Snoqualmie Valley Relay for Life.
The RFL website is up and running and organizers welcome new teams and participants. Residents can join a team all ready formed, start a new team or just join as an individual – with no registration fee..
The big Relay for Life event happens this summer – July 11th & 12th. Until then – it’s PURPLE up time!
