The 30^th annual Multi-County Cancer Support Network Walk-A-Thon will be held on Sept. 8 from 6-10:30 p.m. at 801 Dinah Shore Blvd. in Winchester (old FCHS football stadium). The theme for 2023 is “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”

The Walk-A-Thon is a community fundraising event held to raise money for the MCCSN, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides emotional, educational and financial assistance to cancer patients who reside in the eight-county area that includes Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Grundy, Lincoln, Marion, Moore and Warren counties.

All proceeds will directly benefit local cancer patients. There will be loads of entertainment and excitement for attendees, including live music and other activities. Admission is free.

Cancer survivors are urged to join in and kick off the ceremony by walking the first lap of the night in honor of their victory against cancer. They will be provided with a free survivor T-shirt.

Visit the website at mccsn.org and complete a cancer-survivor form to sign up.

Now is the time to start forming a team of friends, coworkers or neighbors to walk in the event. A minimum of six members is required to form a team. Each team member contributes $50 and will receive a team T-shirt that will be available for pickup at the office or at the Walk-A-Thon. Teams may decorate and set up their tents the day of the event. Complete a team form on the website or obtain one from the office.

A quilt drawing and team-plaque presentation will be held at 10 p.m. with the closing ceremony at 10:15 p.m.

Supporters may choose to purchase a luminaria for $10 each to honor or remember a loved one touched by cancer. The luminaria will be lit up with their loved one’s name on it and placed around the walking track as the shining highlight of the candlelight ceremony. Luminaria may be purchased at the office or at the Walk-A-Thon.

Business and corporate as well as individual sponsors of the Walk-A-Thon are needed. Sponsors may choose their level: Platinum Plus-Plus Neighbor, $2,000; Platinum Neighbor, $1,200; Gold Neighbor, $700; and Silver Neighbor, $300.

Silent-auction items are needed with pickup of donated items provided by contacting the staff at the MCCSN office. All types of items are welcome, big or small.

Volunteers for the Walk-A-Thon are needed to help out in various areas such as the silent-auction tent and more.

For information and forms visit mccsn.org, email mccsn501@att.net or call 931-967-0904. The MCCSN office, located at 501 W. Broad St. in Decherd, is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.