NORWICH — A locally conceived event aimed at raising both funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society is set to put a wrap on the biggest holiday of the year–all in the name of good will, camaraderie and even a little Christmas cheer.

The annual Christmas Classic, brainchild of Norwich natives John Kampe and Ryan Revoir, was spawned in 2012 in an effort to bring folks together in contribution form to benefit The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event.

Now in its fourth year, the concept of the Christmas Classic has remained much the same; the exception being a marked increase in momentum for the Christmas evening event, now an revered community tradition through word of mouth.

When the right minds think alike, a simple Christmas gathering amongst friends is transformed into a charitable cause that captures the respect of the community, according to event organizers.

“It all started as an event for people without a place to go on Christmas,” said Kampe. “and then blossomed from there into a fundraiser to benefit those battling cancer, and cancer research.”

Kampe and his Annual Christmas Classic partnered with Revoir in 2014, and began the planning phases that would catalyze the event’s growth.

“The idea is to grow the event, give it a much larger presence among community members,” said Revoir.