Community members are pooling their talents to help save the Albert Lea Cross Country program.

&uot;The Race Continues&uot; variety show and team benefit will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, in the Albert Lea High School auditorium.

&uot;With the failed referendum, cross country was one of the programs that was cut,&uot; said Jim Haney, assistant cross country coach. &uot;We were looking for a unique fund-raiser.&uot;

So organizers Val Budd and Milena Danneker, who both have kids in the program, &uot;took the reins and got this going,&uot; Haney said. &uot;It’s like Tigers Roar but with adults.&uot;

These acts are tentatively scheduled to appear: Pianist Bob Tewes, songwriter and guitarist Terry Shropshire, vocalist George Marin, trombonist Jack Hockenberry, vocalist and guitarist Val Budd, cellist Gene Schott, vocalist Mary Wayne, Tae Kwan Do demonstration by Dana Nelson and Levi Budd, Middle Eastern Dance by Adele Helleksen and Raks Sharqi, pop band 2nd Take, vocalist and pianist Diane Heaney, a comedy sketch by Jim Haney and Todd Brist, Ed Plantage and group, and bluegrass/folk band Paul Goodnature and friends. Humorist and storyteller Al Batt will serve as master of ceremonies.

&uot;Diane Heaney has done a lot of work on this, and cross country parents have been a huge help,&uot; Haney said.

Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Tickets are available at all Andersen Hallmark Stores and at the door.

Haney said because of other successful fund-raisers and community support, the program’s future looks positive for next year. Previously, the team has held a pop can collection and pancake breakfast.