Newton County Relay For Life committee members announced Monday night that the kickoff for the 2008 event will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at the Lampo building.

“It is a free event — donations are accepted — and we will be serving chili that night,” said Tara Coleman, Newton County Relay For Life team coordinator. “We will also have a guest speaker, who will be announced soon. It is a wonderful opportunity for not only the team captains to come and meet each other, but we would also like to meet the community, since the community supports Relay so much. This is our way of kicking off Relay season and asking for your support making the Relay a success.”

This year’s theme for the kickoff is “Saddle Up For A Cure.”

“Saddle Up For A Cure is our way of getting the community involved to all be on the same page, with our ultimate goal of finding a cure for cancer,” Coleman said. “Cancer affects everyone at some point. We want (them) to know that Relay is going to make a difference. We are going to find a cure.”

Also during the kickoff, the team captains, and even the public, will have the opportunity to see the different committee stations such as survivors, entertainment, publicity and other stations informing the public on what each of their jobs entail.

The monetary goal for the 2008 event will be released at a later date. In 2007, the event brought in $74,546.61, minus expenses. The goal was $77,000.
Relay hopes to have 50 teams this year. Last year, 46 teams participated, a new high.

A planning session for the kickoff will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11 at the Church of Hope.

Relay For Life began nationally in 1984, when one person raised $27,000 for the cause to defeat cancer. Today, Relays are held nationwide and last 12 hours.

During the Relay, various events, such as a reading of the names of cancer survivors and a luminary service, is conducted. Activities are held to keep at least one member of each team on the walking track during the night.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.

For more information on the Newton County Relay For Life, contact Jennifer Harper at 825-4148 or e-mail at jennifer.harper@dss.mo.gov. or contact Coleman at 389-7222.