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Grass Lake invites Manchester to Relay for Life alongside Dutchmen vs. Warriors game

Luminarias for a previous Relay For Life fundraiser. Money raised is used for cancer research and to promote cancer awareness. Public domain image.

by Sara Swanson

Relay For Life of Grass Lake is coming up this Friday, September 18, in conjunction with the Grass Lake vs. Manchester varsity football game in Grass Lake, and organizers are inviting Manchester residents to come and participate.

Organizer Mandy Otto states, “This year marks 20 years of Relay For Life in Grass Lake, and we’re celebrating survivors, remembering loved ones, and supporting everyone still fighting cancer.”

The evening starts at 3pm with a survivor lap around the track, celebrating cancer survivors, followed by a spaghetti dinner at Grass Lake High School from 4pm to 7pm.

The meal includes spaghetti, salad, mixed veggies, bread, and a cookie, and will cost $10 per person or $30 for a family of four. You may also pre-order meals for pick-up through SignUpGenius by following a link on their Facebook page. Registered survivors receive a free meal. During dinner there will be a silent auction also taking place.

At 6:45pm, the Bechtel family, who started Grass Lake Relay for Life 20 years ago, will be honored prior to the National Anthem.

The Manchester vs. Grass Lake game starts at 7pm. Tickets to the game are $6 each and can be purchased online ahead of time at https://gofan.co (search “”). After the game, Grass Lake players will swap their special purple jerseys with their sponsors.

Following the jersey swapping, the Luminary Walk will occur. You can register for the walk by calling 1-800-227-2345. You can also purchase a luminaria to be used in the luminary ceremony for $10 to honor a survivor or remember someone by calling John Bristle at 517-206-4976 or Judy Parzych at 517-206-4425.

Otto adds, “Come hungry, wear your purple, and help us fill the stands with support from both communities! Whether you’re cheering for the Flying Dutchmen or the Warriors, we’re all on the same team in the fight against cancer.”

All proceeds benefit the Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.