Public Invited To

2008 Relay For Life Kickoff January 10

By John Voket

Whether you have a business looking to support a good cause, while getting noticed by thousands of Newtown neighbors, or an individual whose life has been touched by cancer in some way who is looking to give back to the community, Newtown’s Relay For Life may be the answer.

The public is invited to join committed volunteers from year’s past at the 2008 Relay Kickoff gathering at the Newtown High School Lecture Hall, January 10 at 7 pm.

Anyone interested in helping can attend the kickoff, or reply with contact information via e-mail at relayforlifeofnewtown@gmail.com.

According to the American Cancer Society, relay events have been held in 4,800 communities nationwide. Relay teams of families, friends, and coworkers join together to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember those lost and fight back against the disease.

This year the relay will take place June 7–8, at Newtown High School.

The 2008 organizing committee announced recently that Necole Salvesen has accepted the position of event chairperson for the upcoming Relay For Life of Newtown. As team captain of “The Bookmates,” Ms Salvesen participated in past relays and has achieved the top fundraising team honor for the past two years.

Ms Salvesen said the annual relay is a perfect opportunity for the Newtown community to come together and continue raising awareness about the survivability of many cancers, and to help underwrite research and outreach programs.

“The American Cancer Society has released a new mission statement — it is ‘Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back.’ This is Relay For Life of Newtown’s five-year anniversary and I plan to continue the celebration,” Ms Salvesen said.

As in the past, relay chairs and committees invite the community, volunteers, and survivors to participate in any way they choose. There are several committee and volunteer positions available including: Advocacy, Registration, Team Recruitment, Day of Event Volunteers, and the Kids for A Cure event.

For more information on volunteering, fundraising, forming teams and sponsorship opportunities, visit the local Relay website, main.acsevents.org/rflctnewtown.