By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

AKRON — An annual event meant to help those battling cancer in Kosciusko and Fulton counties returns on Saturday, Aug. 20.

Beaver Dam United Methodist Church’s Wheels on Fire-Cancer Crusaders have their Smash Out Cancer event then at the Akron Community Center, 815 E. Rural St. From 4-9 p.m. people may gather to help raise funds for the organization, with monies going to the Kosciusko and Fulton county cancer care funds.

Those funds help with paying for basic necessities and medications for those facing cancer locally. Wheels on Fire has contributed more than $150,000 over the years to help those with cancer.

It’s the sixth year for Smash Out Cancer, with the first being held in 2016. There wasn’t one in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s event marks the first time Lori Miller, one of the founders of Wheels and its former president, won’t be involved. She passed away unexpectedly in April.

Christina Morehouse from Wheels on Fire said the group will honor Miller before the event’s Light Up Your Life Memorial Service at 8:30 p.m. Candles will be lit during that event to “honor those we have lost to cancer and celebrate those who are still in the fight or who have won the battle,” said Morehouse.

The names of people to be honored will also be read during the service. People should reach out to Wheels on Fire via its Facebook page to purchase a candle and bracelet in honor of people or contact Beaver Dam United Methodist Church at 574-893-7052.

Aside from the ceremony, the event also includes various performances and live/pie auctions. There will also be food, including walking tacos, hot dogs, burgers, chips, drinks and ice cream.

Whatever is raised will be added to the nearly $45,000 Wheels on Fire has already collected through other fundraisers this year. Through last year’s Smash Out Cancer event, Wheels on Fire raised $16,000.

“We always just want to raise more than we did last year,” said Morehouse regarding Smash Out Cancer. “With the economy like it is, we are a bit concerned for attendance and donations. We hope for the best because ultimately we want the most for the people suffering for the dreaded disease of cancer.”

“We want to bring awareness to those around us. That they may reach out and help those around them as well. Reach out and lend a helping hand where they can,” Morehouse continued. “Life is precious and can change in an instant. We hope the events we have planned will bring lots of enjoyment. People will come and enjoy a great meal, listen to some live music and bid on some wonderful donated and homemade items as well as delicious pies. The lighting of memorial candles will be the highlight of the evening.”

The schedule for Smash Out Cancer activities is below.

• 4 p.m. — Mike Bowers performs
• 4:30 p.m. — Kylene Crabb performs
• 5 p.m. — Deb Collier’s School of Dance performs
• 6 p.m. — Erica Snyder Chalk Talk
• 6:15 p.m. — Ed Rock performs
• 6:30 p.m. — Live/pie auctions
• 8:30 p.m. — Light Up Your Life Memorial Service