Relay for Life of Nassau County West kicks off its 20th anniversary with a shorter format March 31.
The relay will be held on the West Nassau High School track, from 6 p.m. to midnight. Last year’s event included a 12-hour program.
“This is the first year that we have had Relay for only six hours,” Relay chairwoman Cathy Carter wrote via email Monday. “It is hard to keep things going for 12 hours straight, so we decided to try for a shorter time frame.”
She added that many participants exited the event by midnight in 2016, so the decision was made to shorten it.
This year’s fundraising goal is $23,000. Donations received in 2016 totaled approximately $34,500, just $500 short of that year’s goal, according to Carter.
This year’s color theme will be dark blue, emphasizing the American Cancer Society’s color for colon cancer in memory of western Nassau’s first Relay organizer, Carolyn Faris. She succumbed to the disease in 2008.
During the opening ceremonies, Faris’ memory will be honored in song. Guest speakers include Faris’ daughter Sarah Altman and former Nassau County Schools Superintendent Dr. John Ruis.
Cancer survivors and their caregivers will be introduced just before the survivor lap at 6:30 p.m. A dessert and coffee reception for survivors and their caregivers follows at 7.
“I am looking for some folks that can donate cakes, cupcakes (and) pies, etc. for our survivor reception,” Carter wrote.
Entertainment acts, including the Callahan Middle School Chorus, will perform 7-9 p.m.
Entertainment will resume at 9:30 following a luminary ceremony hosted by Jane Hicken at 9.
As of March 13, 11 relay teams had already signed up to participate.
“Relay is always looking for good folks to help plan and keep Relay active in our community,” Carter wrote. “It is a great thing to do – to come together and raise money, educate the community about cancer and the American Cancer Society.”
A paint night fundraiser will be held at CMS 6-8 p.m. March 30. Prepaid cost is $20 and it’s $25 the day of the event. Refreshments will be available. To register, email Ruth Duncan at duncanru@nassau.k12.fl.us or Tiffany Conger at tiffanymconger@gmail.com.