Ryan's Relay is a 6-mile "team" event designed to raise money for the Ryan Hunter Dickerson Reading Tree.

Ryan - an avid reader and supporter of the library, died on July 29, 2007. Ryan's Reading Tree is a memorial that will add beauty to the Stanislaus County Library as well as create a magical place for children to explore the wonders of books and enhance their love of reading.

Relay participants will have the opportunity to raise money to complete Ryan's Tree and to celebrate Ryan's contributions to the Modesto community.

Nature Maker, a company that builds realistic metal trees, will create a majestic oak for $80,000. Individual team members will gather a minimum of $20 from sponsors. All proceeds from this relay will go towards the Ryan's Tree project.

There will be food and entertainment provided as added motivation for participants. It is expected that the teams will work together to walk or run 24 laps (6 miles).