Oakmont Relay for Life set for Saturday at Riverside Park

Oakmont’s 19th annual Relay for Life event is set for Saturday at Riverside Park.

Organizers are expecting a large crowd this time around because it is not competing against Penguins playoff hockey or graduation parties as in years past.

Nearby Riverview High School’s last day of school is June 7.

This year marks the sixth relay under the direction of Nancy “Moochie” Donatucci, a 12-year stage three cancer survivor.

It’s is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., with opening ceremonies starting around 9:30 a.m. and laps beginning at 10 a.m.

The relay’s theme this year is board games with the motto, “Sorry Cancer, We Choose Life.”

“Every year we try to come up with something different,” said Donatucci. “We put them all out to the committee and vote on them. We thought this would be different and fun.”

Teams will have a game board at each table. Relay participants can pick up a game board and get check marks by visiting booths, and turn in their cards for a chance to win a basket of many board games.

About 22 teams have signed up, about the same as last year. Planning began in September.

Teams fund raise throughout the year with all monies due in by the end of July. Oakmont’s relay collected approximately $80,000 last year.

Donatucci said she expects to exceed this year’s goal of $70,000.

“Every, single one of us is touched by cancer in some way, and we need to work together in educating, supporting and funding cancer (research),” she said. “I’m hoping it’s a nice day.”

Other activities include a luminary and survivor ceremony, Chinese auction, face painting and musical performances by local artists. There will be food trucks from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Guest speaker is local radio personality and breast cancer survivor Bonnie Diver.