Island of Hope: Relay For Life supporters Paint the Town Purple

The 2017 Relay For Life Student Ambassadors headed up this year's Paint the Town Purple Day on Grand Island.

About a dozen volunteers ignored threats of rain Saturday, April 29, and worked in the Town Commons and around Grand Island tying purple ribbons and bows on trees to promote the Grand Island Relay For Life and its ongoing support for the American Cancer Society. Hanging up purple decorations, wearing a favorite purple tie, or planting purple flowers in the front yard shows support for those who have fought or continue to fight their battle with cancer.

Islanders were preparing the town for national Paint the Town Purple Day, May 1.

Pictured above, Alex Melisz, left, and Ryan Wellence tie purple bows around trees in the Town Commons. Bows were available for purchase at the Northwest Saving Bank branch on Grand Island Boulevard. From left, 2017 Relay honorary survivor Mark Gorton, his daughter Sara (a student ambassador), and past honorary survivor Lisa Dudley sold purple bows (above).

The 15th annual Grand Island Relay For Life for the American Cancer Society will take place from 4 p.m. to midnight in Veterans Park.

(Photos by Larry Austin)