Good new followed Friday’s thunderstorms and subsequent cancellation.

Saturday, July 31, 1999

Good new followed Friday’s thunderstorms and subsequent cancellation.

Rob Schile, one of the chairs for this year’s event, announced Saturday morning that the Relay Committee has decided to hold a candle lighting ceremony – now scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Aug. 8 at Horace Austin Park.

Schile said the committee thinks holding such an event helps "bring closure" to all who’ve participated in the event.

It’s believed the ceremony will feature some musical entertainment, an address by Relay Honorary Chair Pam Hammero, and the reading of the names of individuals in whose honor luminaries were purchased.

As each name is read, Schile said, those who purchased luminaries for that individual are invited to light a candle in his or her honor. Candles will be provided.

Schile also announced Saturday that preliminary figures show this year’s event raised more than $55,000.

Depending on expenses, that figure is potentially close to $20,000 more than last year’s event and nearly $8,000 over this year’s goal. Proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.

Prizes and totals for the fundraiser will also be announced at the ceremony on Aug. 8.

Schile extended thanks from the committee to everyone who’s already made this year’s event a success and hopes all residents of the area will participate in the upcoming candle lighting ceremony.

Further information should be forthcoming on Tuesday following the committee meeting Monday night. For more information, call Rob Schile at 433-8104.