By Michael Howell
The Ravalli County Federal Credit Union held a community barbecue last Friday to raise donations for the American Cancer Society as part of its participation in the Relay For Life Cancer Walk coming up this Saturday, September 9t in Missoula.
The Hellgate Chapter Relay For Life Team is comprised of staff from several credit unions around Montana and three employees from the Ravalli County FCU have joined the team to walk on behalf of their recently deceased Teller Supervisor, Jordan Brown, who died of cancer earlier this year at the age of 38.
Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. It is a team fundraising event where team members take turns walking around a track or designated path. Each team sets up a themed campsite at the event and continues their fundraising efforts by collecting donations for food, goods, games, and activities. The money raised at the barbecue will count towards their overall team fundraising goal.
The event is scheduled for this Saturday, September 9 in Missoula at the LDS Church located at 3201 Bancroft Street. A kick-off ceremony celebrating everyone who has been affected by cancer begins at 4 p.m. and is followed by Survivor Laps and Caregiver Laps followed by the rest of the teams. A Luminaria display is scheduled from 9 to 10 p.m. It is an event in which each Luminaria bag represents a loved one lost to cancer, brings support to those affected by it, and honors survivors. It is a moment meant to give people the opportunity to grieve but it is also meant to offer hope and comfort. There is a wrap up and closing at midnight.
“We hope to raise as much money as possible for the American Cancer Society and we look forward to donating every cent in honor of Jordan,” said Darci Parsons, President/CEO of Ravalli County FCU. “She had a contagious smile and a great sense of humor and was loved by staff and members alike. Myself, my husband Ronnie Parsons and our colleague Laci Rose will all be running and thinking of Jordan at every step of the way.”
Donations can be made at Ravalli County Federal Credit Union located at 501 N. First Street in Hamilton or on-line at www.ravallicountyfcu.org.