ENGLEHARD — Several groups in Hyde County are currently raising funds for cancer research and will host its 2014 Relay for Life next month.

On August 16 at 5 p.m., the organization will host a fundraiser in the form of a Gospel concert at Mattamuskeet gymnasium, said Chairperson Ginger Carawan. The lineup for the concert includes Amanda Van Dyke, Regina Coleman, the Believers Trio and Double Portion.

The event will feature a concessions stand and baked goods auction. There is no admission fee, but donations are welcomed, Carawan said. All proceeds collected from donations, concessions purchases and the auction will go toward cancer research.

“There will be another fundraiser or two, but they haven’t been announced yet,” Carawan said.

All cancer survivors and their caregivers are invited to a free Survivor’s Dinner on August 26 at 6:30 p.m., which will be held at Martelle’s Restaurant in Englehard, Carawan said. Those interested in attending should RSVP by August 20 so plans can be made accordingly. At the dinner, a cancer survivor and a caregiver will speak about their experiences with cancer, what they’ve gone through and give encouraging words for those who are battling cancer currently, Carawan said.

“We trying to get them excited about doing Relay,” Carawan said. “At the dinner, we honor the cancer survivors and the caregivers — they’re just as important.”

The Hyde County Relay for Life event, held at Englehard Recreation Park, will commence on September 13 at 12 p.m. and will last until September 14 at 8 a.m., Carawan said. The event will begin with a survivor lap, in which all survivors and their caregivers will walk the first lap. At 9 p.m., there will be a luminary service in honor of those who have survived cancer, those who have cancer and to remember those who have passed away as a result of cancer, Carawan said. The luminaries, which are lighted memorials, are being sold to raise money for the event as well.

Five teams are currently registered to walk in the event, Carawan said. Two of the groups consist of faith-based organizations, one is made up of people from the Hyde County Health Department and a cancer survivor, heads one of the other two groups, Carawan said. Throughout the night of the walk, each team will have a tent set up, hosting games and selling food. There will also be a stage will be set for live entertainment during the walk, Carawan said.

“Everybody walks all night long,” Carawan said. “And there will be entertainment going on at all times. We are actually still looking for some entertainment. If anyone is interested in performing, let us know.”

The morning of September 14, there will be a sunrise service for the event’s closing ceremonies, Carawan said. The groups will also be selling raffle tickets to raise money for the campaign and several items will be raffled off, one of which being a Marlin Model 6022 caliber long rifle. Tickets can be purchased for a one dollar donation or six tickets for $5, Carawan said.

“Our hope is for everyone to be cancer-free,” Carawan said. “That’s what we are striving for. We are raising money for cancer research so we can get rid of this dreaded disease.”

To RSVP for the Survivor’s Dinner, call the American Cancer Society office at 252-695-9054.