The students of Lakota West Relay for Life helped start the local Bark for Life event last year.
This year’s 5K non-competitive walk/run event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 1 by the lake at Voice of America MetroPark.
Helping Baker put the event together are Addie Von Den Benken, community manager for Relay for Life at the American Cancer Society, along with students from Lakota West High School and local pet merchants.
Planned at the last minute, last year’s event wrangled up 40 participants and raised more than $2,000. This year’s event is projected to muster a much greater turnout from both pet merchants and participants.
Baker, who has been Lakota West Relay for Life parent volunteer and event coordinator for seven years, said it’s important for her to be a part of the event and the cause it serves.
“Bark for Life is a great way to honor our canines and a fun way to raise money for the American Cancer Society,” she said. “The fight against cancer has always been a goal of mine since I lost many family members to cancer, including my father.”
Baker said she also enjoys working with the Lakota West Relay for Life students and the Lakota community.
“For the past six years, Lakota West Relay for Life has raised over $150,000 for the American Cancer Society,” she said.
For more information, including how to participate or volunteer, visit www.relayforlife.org/barkwestchesteroh or email addie.vondenbenken@cancer.org.
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