VP Rotary hears about Relay for Life event

February 24, Meeting
Rotarian Benny Fontenot welcomed Connie Lamke to the February 24, meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club to discuss the upcoming Evangeline Parish Relay for Life event benefitting the American Cancer Society. The “Keep Calm and Relay On”- themed event will be held Saturday, April 18, from 12 noon to 12 midnight at the Ville Platte High School football field. She said many activities are planned for the event, including a BBQ cook off sponsored by Teet’s Food Store and a boudin eating contest sponsored by T Boy’s of Mamou. In addition, there will be fun jumps, fire truck rides, food, silent auction, contests, raffles, music and fun. Lamke said that due to losing a lot of teams because of the economy and the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. time in previous years, the time has been changed to noon to midnight. After not making $30,000 last year, Lamke, as chairperson, hopes to bring the event back to its “glory days” and build the event back up to raise more awareness. She said all money raised goes to cancer research, expenses and helping Evangeline Parish cancer survivors, noting approximately 255 cancer patients in Evangeline Parish have been directly assisted by the American Cancer Society in the last two years. Lamke has been a part of the event for six years and said any support given would be greatly appreciated. In addition to the relay, a 5K Color Fun Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, March 21. The run/walk will begin at the new library on Main Street, travel down Main Street to Tobacco Plus, and then travel up LaSalle Street back to the library. Lamke also said the Ville Platte Police Department will sponsor a donation drive benefitting Faith House on Wednesday, March 18. A drive through drop off location will be set up at the pavilion at the police department to accept donations.