Plans under way for 2008 Relay for Life
By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Plans for the 2008 American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser in Hartselle were announced at a kickoff meeting at First Baptist Church Oct. 25.
The goal of the fundraiser is $85,675, or $4,162 more than the $81,513 that was raised this year. Last year's goal was $66,325.
"This ought to be a walk in the park," Relay for Life chairperson Amy Balch said. "My personal goal is for us to push $100,000."
She said the 2008 relay would be conducted in John Sparkman Park April 25 -26 under the theme "Carnival for a Cure." The national campaign theme is "Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back."
The goal is to have 40 teams working in the campaign. The first team captain's meeting will be Nov. 27, at 5:30 p.m., at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center (Old Burleson Elementary School).
Recognition of volunteers for outstanding performance in the 2007 Relay for Life was a part of the meeting.
Eight teams were singled out for meeting bronze ($2,500), silver ($5,000) and gold ($7,500) fundraising levels, as follows: Wachovia Wonders, $2,702; Family Security Credit Union, $3,157; Falkville Elementary School, $4,440; Flint Church of Christ, $5,047; Keenum Krusaders, $5, 294; Kids Kastle, $6,097; Miracle Makers, $6,195 and Brewer Family Career &Commerce Leaders of America (FCCLA).
Balch was recognized as both Local and State Volunteer of the Year and Hartselle Relay of Life was one of four such organizations in the state to win the Pacesetter Award from the American Cancer Society.
Balch said the 2008 Hartselle Relay is being geared up to play a more active role in educating the public about cancer prevention.
"We operated information booths at Depot Days in Hartselle and Frontier Days in Eva will be working through the schools in coming weeks and months," Balch said. "We're also seeking signatures on a petition that urges our state legislators to pass a law in the next session of the state legislature to prohibit smoking in public places.
"I'm excited about the impact the 2008 Relay for Live in Hartselle can have in the fight against cancer. There's not a week that goes by when I haven't spoken to someone who has said they have a family members who has been diagnosed with cancer.
It feels good to know you're a part of raising money to find a cure."
A video presentation was given by Beth Tutwiler, development representative show the results of cancer research on a national level.
Reports given by American Cancer Society executives, physicians and cancer survivors all indicated that death from cancer in the U.S. is falling. It also indicated t hat a new Cancer Information Center is being widely used. The center reported a million telephone calls and 48,000 emails in its first year of operation.
