Despite having the annual kick off event canceled twice due to inclement weather, the Mason County Relay for Life committee is preparing for a great year. The first Relay for Life team captains meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15 at the Point Pleasant Jr/Sr High School Commons Area.
According to Angela Lanier, event organizer, all team captains are encouraged to attend.
“We hope to see all past teams and new teams there,” she said.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss fundraising efforts and upcoming events that pertain to the Relay for Life. In addition, representatives from the Mason County Relay for Life Planning Committee will be in attendance to help answer questions.
Following the first team captain meeting, additional Relay for Life team meetings will take place on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the PPJSHS Commons Area. Planning Committee meetings will follow each team meeting.
According to the American Cancer Society’s Web site, Relay for Life got its start in Tacoma, Wash., in the mid-1980s when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office. He decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed — running marathons.
Klatt eventually envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could raise money to fight cancer. Since its start 25 years ago, Relay for Life has grown considerably. Relays have spread across the globe, with events operating or planned in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and Venezuela.
The 2011 Mason County Relay for Life will be held June 18 from 6-12 p.m. at the PPJSHS Athletic Complex.
For more information on the upcoming team captain meeting or for the local Relay for Life, contact Lanier at 304-675-2387.