Efforts this month will officially launch the American Cancer Society’s 2015 Relay for Life of Jackson County.
A meeting for volunteers and participants at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at MainSource Bank, 1130 E. Tipton St., will kick off planning for the event.
At least one representative from each team and anyone interested in the event are encouraged to attend, said Julia Aker, publicity chairwoman for
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the event.
Information on sponsors, fundraising and the relay agenda will be discussed, and the new Relay specialist for Jackson County, Melissa Pressler, will be introduced, Aker said.
Other meetings are scheduled for Feb. 9, March 9,
April 14 and April 27 at the bank.
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event, dedicated to increasing awareness and raising funds to fight cancer. For about six hours, teams of family, friends and co-workers gather together and take turns walking around a track.
Participants have a chance to celebrate the victory of area cancer survivors during the Survivors Lap, remember those who have lost their battle to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony and participate in the Fight Back Ceremony, which gives everyone a chance to proclaim their way of taking action against the disease.
“Families, employees and other groups working together can make a difference,” Aker said. “The event isn’t just fundraising. It’s also a fun experience for all ages. Even if someone isn’t on a team, the event is open to the public.”
This year’s date and location are being determined, though a Friday in May is being looked into, Aker said. Traditionally, the event has been at Seymour High School’s track.
She said the theme is “A Night of Heroes.”
“Cancer affects everyone, and everyone wants to see a cure,” Aker said. “Raising money for research is the only way that is going to happen. This event is the best way to raise money locally.”
Last year’s event in June had 32 teams and raised $65,088. She said the money was collected through Aug. 31 from participants, online donors and sponsors and pays for cancer research, education, advocacy and local services.
Aker said volunteers are needed to help plan the event in the following ways: community champion, team ambassadors, survivors and caregivers, logistics, fundraising accounting and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
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What: American Cancer Society’s 2015 Relay for Life of Jackson County event volunteer and participant meeting
When: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19
Where: MainSource Bank, 1130 E. Tipton St., Seymour
Who: Teams should send at least one representative, and anyone else interested in the event is encouraged to attend.
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For information, contact Jan Engel, Josh Quillen or Heather Quillen at [email protected] or at 812-528-0549.
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