By By Kerry Whipple Bean
publisher
Relay for Life of East Escambia County is pushing for participation from more teams for next year’s event, which raises money for cancer research and awareness programs.
To help jump start the fund-raising season for Relay, the organization will hold a kickoff rally at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Brewton Community Center, located behind City Hall. Participants will be able to pick up team registration packets at the event.
The East Escambia Relay for Life will bed held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at the Brewton Area YMCA. Team activities will support the theme “Cancerbury Tales in the Power of Purple.”
Peacock said the Relay for Life committee is planning some new ideas for this year’s event, including special collections for Hope Lodge, a facility in Birmingham at which cancer patients and their families can stay for free when they are seeking treatment there. The facility needs supplies for the families who live there temporarily, Peacock said.
With a push on for new teams, the Relay committee also plans to set up each new team with a mentor, a member of an experienced team.
In the months leading up to the Relay event, teams raise funds through a variety of projects, from raffles to cake contests. On the day of the Relay, team participants take turns walking the track during the 12-hour event to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
One of the most special events during Relay is the survivors lap — the ceremonial opening lap that shows cancer can be defeated.
Last year, Peacock said, more than 7 0survivors attended the survivors dinner, and many of them walked in the opening lap.
Relay volunteers are needed for several areas of expertise on the planning committee, including team recruitment, logistics, sponsorship recruitment, survivorship, luminaria sales and ceremony, advocacy, activities and entertainment.
For information about the kickoff, to register a team or to serve as a volunteer, contact Peacock at 809-4845 or by e-mail at sharonpeacock@hotmail.com.