LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Saturday, April 28, the city of Lakeport will be awash in purple, thanks to efforts by volunteers from the American Cancer Society’s annual “Relay For Life,” a community campout against cancer.  

Throughout California, towns, schools and businesses will “paint our town purple” to celebrate cancer survivorship and bring attention to the yearly event, which will be held on Saturday, May 19, at Clear Lake High School in Lakeport.

“We’re using the power of purple to bring good news to cancer survivors and mobilize the community,” said Racheal Harmon of Lakeport, one of Relay for Life's local organizers.

“Paint Own Town Purple Day is a time to celebrate the lives of cancer survivors, and to have some fun with the color purple to bring attention to the American Cancer Society’s many programs and services in our community,” Harmon explained.

The American Cancer Society invites everyone to join the fun, simply by calling Event Chair Marshele at 707-262-1722 and asking how you can “Paint Our Town Purple” at your school, in surrounding towns, at the college or in your workplace.

“Relay For Life” is a wonderful event, and the entire community is invited to participate on May 19 and 20. But on April 28, join us in the spirit of celebration and in painting our town purple  to call awareness to this important event that works to benefit and recognize cancer patients, their families and their caregivers,” said Harmon.

She added, “The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.”

All participants are encouraged to spread hope in the community. Whether you are a homeowner, a restaurateur or a retail business operator/owner, there are plenty of ideas for painting the town purple from Saturday, April 28, through Saturday, May 19.

Here are some suggestions:

• Decorate your home or store windows with a purple display.
• Participate in the contest for the best purple window display.
• Display a purple yard sign in your front yard.
• Decorate your front entrance, your fence or your door with purple balloons.
• Paint your porch light purple or insert a purple bulb.
• Tie purple ribbons around tress in your neighborhood.
• Wear purple clothing.
• Buy and wear our purple wrist bands.
• Turn your town landmarks purple.
• Decorate the exterior of your city hall purple.
• Display a Relay For Life link on your business Web site or personal blog.

To request a Relay for Life logo or purple ribbon to be painted on your business window please call Racheal Harmon at 707-349-9655.

Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay For Life is available from the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.RelayForLife.org/LakeCountyCa .