* * * * *

Relay For Life organizers are inviting residents of Newtown and surrounding communities to help officially launch the community’s 10th Relay For Life of Newtown Event. In honor of the community event’s tenth presentation year, the theme for the 2014 event is “Party.”

The free kickoff party is set for Monday, February 3, at 7 pm, in the Newtown High School Lecture Hall, according to Relay Event Chair Chris Farrington. The 2014 event will be Friday into Saturday, May 30-31, at Fairfield Hills.

Mr Farrington is hoping many residents will turn out for refreshments, an opportunity to meet the 2014 Honorary Chairs, and hear about a number of new developments with the event. During the kickoff, Mr Farrington will also host a “meet and greet” for Newtown’s brand-new American Cancer Society liaison, David Andros.

And there will also be news of new relay participant and team recognition programs with the American Cancer Society.

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Since its inception in 2004, Newtown’s Relay For Life Event has raised over $2.4 million and averages 580 registered participants each year.

Mr Farrington stressed that in 2014, he wants be sure that all local residents understand the Relay For Life is not a race or sporting event, but a community rally “where anyone touched by cancer, any family member, survivor or caregiver can come and celebrate life, and support those engaged in the fight.”

At Relay, teams of people camp out and take turns walking or running around a track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

While Newtown’s community event runs overnight, it is a 12-hour activity. Mr Farrington said residents can learn more about the 10th Relay, and keep tabs as new activities or related news developments are announced, on the local Relay For Life-Newtown website or the Newtown Relay Facebook page.

Anyone who wants to get involved is welcome to attend any or all of the scheduled relay meetings if they cannot attend the February 3 the kickoff. Informational meetings continue March 6, April 3, and May 1, with a wrap-up meeting June 5.

Anyone with specific questions may contact Mr Farrington at relayforlifeofnewtown@gmail.com.