Relay aims to walk over cancer

By Staff
Tracy B. Cieniewicz, Hartselle Enquirer
Relay For Life team captains are gearing up to walk all over cancer this spring in Hartselle.
The 2006 American Cancer Society Relay For Life Hartselle is set for May 12 and 13 at E.A.R.T.H. Park. Team captains met Jan. 12 at First Baptist Church of Hartselle for the event's kickoff meeting with 35 participants in attendance.
"We were extremely pleased with the turnout and enthusiasm of those attending," Elaine Balch, Relay co-chair, said. "We also want to express our appreciation to First Baptist for hosting the event."
Balch also extended thanks to the following Hartselle businesses and groups for providing refreshments for the event: Culinary Express, Java Jaay, Dari Delite, Las Vias Mexican Grill, El Portal Mexican Restaurant, the Hartselle High School Honor Society, and the Hartselle High School Consumer Science Department. The theme for the 2006 Relay For Life Hartselle is "Walking All Over Cancer." Balch said team captains received information packets at the kickoff, as well as fundraising ideas and goal information. The Relay For Life Hartselle committee set goals of 20 teams and $50,000 in funds raised for the city's first American Cancer Society Relay For Life event.
The following 15 teams have committed to participating in this year's event: Dreamweavers, Gilchrist Pharmacy, A.P. Brewer High School JROTC, Keenum Krusaders, Flint Church of Christ, Hartselle High School Honor Society, Hartselle High School FCCLA, Hartselle High School Wrestling Cheerleaders, First American Bank, Hartselle Medical Center, First Baptist Church of Hartselle, Hartselle Civitan, Family Security Credit Union, and the Jetton family.
"Sgt. Gordon Horton of Brewer ROTC said their team has set its individual goal at $10,000 and they've already reached $5,000," Balch said. "That means we're already one-tenth of the way to our fundraising goal."
While fundraising is off to a good start, Balch said right now Relay For Life of Hartselle is in desperate need of sponsors and committee chairs.
"Hartselle Medical Center and Gilchrist Pharmacy are co-sponsoring the Wall of Hope banner, and Hartselle Heritage Funeral Home is the only sponsor for the event as of yet," Balch explained.
Sponsorships are available from $250 to $5,000 and offer companies a range of opportunities for recognition and participation. The committee chairs still needed are for advocacy, accounting and sponsorship. If you, your business, church, school, or civic group is interested in learning how to participate in or become a sponsor for the 2006 Hartselle Relay For Life, the city's first American Cancer Society event, contact Elaine Balch at 773-3633 or 355-5994.