Relay for Life effort begins
Published 10:14 pm Friday, November 11, 2011
The Hank Sanders Technology Building was a vision of purple as members of local schools, organizations and churches gathered for the Dallas County Relay for Life kickoff held Thursday.
Team captains heard facts and figures about cancer and research and discussed fundraising ideas for next year’s relay to be held at Memorial Stadium in the spring.
Relay chair Tanya Miles said already 28 teams have signed up to participate and people are excited.
“We never had a kickoff this early,” Miles said, smiling. “We usually kickoff late January, early February; We’re at 50 percent right now and we’re still sending out the call for teams to get involved … it’s time Dallas County, it’s time.”
And as the recently appointed Southwest representative under Alabama State Leadership Council for the American Cancer Society, Miles will work with relay teams from 15 different counties.
“It was an honor to be named to that,” Miles said. “I get to touch bases with relay chairs of communities and American Cancer Society representatives. I can bring ideas back to Dallas County.”
In her first year as team captain, Meadowview Christian School teacher Megan McNeil, said getting involved in the relay is very important, especially for children.
“They are our future (and) they’ll be the ones battling this later and needing the cure,” McNeil said.
Surpassing last year’s goal of $65,000, more than 46 teams made up of schools and local businesses, came together to raise nearly $110,000 for the cause earlier this year. This year’s goal, organizers said, is $100,000.
Steering committee finance chair Sequita Oliver said the early meeting gives teams a head start on fundraising efforts.
“Research is important,” Oliver said. “As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm, and we trynna get the worm.”
Relay organizers encourage the public to get involved and register. The next scheduled team captain meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 17 inside the Hank Sanders Technology Building at Wallace Community-College Selma. For more information call 412-9675 or 412-6238.
