Purple Potty

Making the rounds for Relay for Life. By Patty Hutchens

Chances are great that you have seen it around town. The purple potty that seems to magically appear and disappear in front of local businesses. A new type of public restroom? Thankfully that is not the case.

It is just one of many fundraisers taking place in anticipation of the First Annual Bonners Ferry Relay for Life. The event will take place from August 22-23 at the Bonners Ferry High School track and already appears that it will be a huge success. Several teams are doing their part to help raise funds for the Relay, which benefits the American Cancer Society and whose proceeds go to support research and programs for cancer patients.

While the money raised goes to the American Cancer Society, something many do not realize is that the American Cancer Society’s programs are alive and well and doing much to support those with cancer right here in Bonners Ferry and throughout North Idaho.

According to chairperson Tamra Hiatt, there are many people from Boundary County who access American Cancer Society funds to assist with overnight stays while traveling to chemotherapy, radiation and other medical appointments in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane. There is also Community Cancer Services in Sandpoint, a non-profit organization that provides emotional and financial support for residents of Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry who are battling cancer, which also utilizes funds from the American Cancer Society to support local residents.

To date there are already 17 teams registered, a total of 110 participants and over $10,000 raised for the Bonners Ferry Relay for Life.

According to Hiatt, whose team is responsible for the “purple potty” fundraiser, businesses can donate to Hiatt’s Relay for Life team to have the purple fixture removed or sent to another business. “Our goal is to flush out cancer,” said Hiatt who is pleased with the response to the event that she was instrumental in bringing to the Bonners Ferry community.

In addition to the purple toilet, there have been an overnight camping event with a barbeque, a “jail ‘n bail,” and various other fundraisers that have helped raise funds in advance of the August 22nd event.

Mark your calendars and come and join the fun and support a good cause at the same time!

To find out more information about the upcoming event, log onto www.relayforlife.org/bonnersferryid.

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