EPHRATA — The Ephrata Recreation Center hosted the Sam Scramble on New Year's Day. The Scramble is "part footrace, part scavenger hunt" that "honors the indomitable spirit of all who face life-threatening illnesses," according to the event's flyer.

The event is named after Samantha Webb, an Ephrata girl who succumbed to cancer at age 9 on the first day of 2003. Every New Year's Day since, families and friends write messages on balloons and release them in her honor.

Proceeds from the 2016 Scramble will go to Cancer Can't, a non-profit organization "committed to improving the lives of oncology patients in eastern Washington and beyond." Cancer Can't was founded by Ephrata High School graduates Jonathan and Becky Van Keulen.

In July 2014, Jon was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Cancer Can't will provide funding for hospital room upgrades for oncology patients at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane.

The Scramble has brought out the best in the Ephrata community. Sam's Scramble organizer Michelle Webb said there's been "a lot of support.” A lot of donations; three $1,000 donations, three $500 donations. We've raised over $35,000 (total) the last four years."

Each year, the Scramble has supported a different cause, including the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Columbia Basin Hospital Foundation, and the OMNY foundation for disadvantaged youth.

Sam's Scramble is an event in which teams of two to five people have 90 minutes to race to 30 checkpoints throughout Ephrata, gathering information and answers for points. The team with the most points wins. Finding the correct year settlers came to Ephrata is worth 10 points. Teams earned 40 points for finding the correct inscription on the plaque at Ephrata Middle School's basketball court.

People usually show up to support a good cause, but a little extra incentive never hurts. "This is our homework for P.E.," said Chloe Mickelsen, 13, Ephrata, "but we're doing it for fun."

Teammate Emmie Dilling, 14, Ephrata, sees no fun in merely participating. "We want to win," she said.

Sam's Scramble was sponsored by many local families and businesses, including the Paul Lauzier Foundation, Cloudview EcoFarms, and Roger and Jody Etter, among others.