Giving season not over in parish

While the season of giving usually begins and ends during the Christmas holiday, those in St. Charles Parish are getting the chance to continue that giving spirit thanks to a pair of important local events.

Last weekend, the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life got underway, but eventually was cancelled due to an outpouring of rain drops. Still, the event will go on this May, and anyone who couldn't make the original event should be sure to check back for the still-unscheduled date change.
Relay For Life is extremely important because so many people from the community get involved to show their support for cancer survivors, those fighting the disease and those that have lost their lives to the deadly disease.

In May, the cancer survivors will be honored and it's a great chance for local residents to not only support them, but to learn more about cancer in order to successfully prevent or fight the disease. A luminary ceremony will also be held during that time and will be a unique and beautiful reminder of how prevalent cancer is in our society.

Another important event that will be held on April 5 is the United Way of St. Charles' 12th annual 5K Bridge Run, which is the only race in the country that allows participants to traverse the Mississippi River. Not only will the walkers and runners that take part in the event get to see a once-in-a-lifetime view of the river, but they also get the chance to win their share of the $4,000 pot.

More importantly, however, is the money that is brought into UWSC. Last year, the race raised $52,000 and could outdo that total this year since over 1,800 competitors are expected to take part in the event.

UWSC is a big part of our community and they are the reason that many of our community programs get the money they need to function.

So even though your red hat may be in storage, you can still get another chance to act as Santa Claus for two major causes.