Charity Events Mobilize Community Support in Williamsburg Area

As the cooler temperatures of fall settle in, the Williamsburg area is poised for a series of impactful charity events this weekend, aimed at raising funds and awareness for significant health issues.

Relay For Life of Williamsburg, now in its 25th year, will kick off the weekend on October 6, 2023, at Warhill High School. This event, taking place from 17:00 to 22:00, will feature a dove release and a survivor dinner to honor those affected by cancer. The evening will continue with a survivor and caregiver lap, followed by a bell ringing ceremony, and an opening ceremony at 19:00. Attendees can look forward to various activities, including children’s entertainment, food trucks, and live music. To learn more about participating or donating, visit relayforlife.org/williamsburgva or contact Mary Beth Taylor at 757-343-0832 or [email protected].

On October 7, 2023, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is set to take place at the New Town gazebo, located at 5150 Main St., James City County. The event will begin with a “Promise Garden” ceremony at 09:40, allowing participants to select flowers symbolizing their connection to Alzheimer’s: blue for those living with the disease, purple for those who have lost someone, yellow for caregivers, and orange as a show of support. The walk itself will commence at 10:00, covering a distance of three miles, with a one-mile option available. Pets are welcome to join. Last year, the event raised over $221,000 from more than 650 participants, and this year’s goal is $260,000 with a target of 775 participants. Barbara Monteith, senior development manager for the Southeastern Virginia chapter, emphasized the importance of fundraising efforts: “Money raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s makes a difference in the lives of those facing Alzheimer’s.” For additional details, registration, or donations, visit alz.org/sevawalks.

The weekend’s activities will conclude with the Williamsburg Senior Softball League hosting its third annual fundraising softball game on October 8, 2023, at 15:00 at Kiwanis Park. This year’s Breast Cancer Awareness/Benefit Game will raise funds for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting those affected by breast cancer. Donations will be accepted in cash or checks made out to the foundation during the event. WSSL spokeswoman Kathy Sprague noted that the game will feature a friendly competition between women and men, with the men winning in the inaugural year and the women taking the title last year. “There are so many people in our league that have been touched by all forms of cancer,” Sprague stated. The field will be adorned with pink bases and field lines, and there will be donation buckets, snacks, and a live auction during the game. The first game raised nearly $5,000, while last year’s total reached $7,500. A rain date is scheduled for November 2, 2023. For more information, visit wsslva.org/bcag.html.

This weekend’s events not only promise to foster community spirit but also aim to bring significant funding and awareness to critical health issues affecting many individuals and families.