The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Newtown has kicked off its “Paint the Town Purple” campaign to create awareness about cancer. Purple ribbons will be displayed up to the Newtown event held on overnight from Saturday, May 31, to Sunday, June 1, at Newtown High School’s Blue & Gold Stadium.

The signature color for Relay For Life is purple as it represents “all cancers.” Relay supporters are encouraging businesses and local communities to join in and show their awareness and support in the fight against cancer.

To help finish the fight, relay volunteers are asking community members to participated in a Paint the Town Purple campaign by displaying a purple bow inside or outside their home or business, themed purple displays in storefronts, swapping out white bulbs for purple bulbs, or selecting a day for everyone to wear purple at work or school.

Residents are encouraged to decorate their mailboxes or homes with a purple theme or colored ribbon.

In other relay news, A New Beginning spa is once again supporting Newtown’s 10th Relay for Life by accepting hair donations for the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program from 4 to 8 pm at the stadium.

Beautiful Lengths is a partnership between Pantene and the American Cancer Society providing free, real-hair wigs for women with cancer. So far, Pantene has donated 24,000 free real-hair wigs to the American Cancer Society’s wig banks, which distribute wigs to cancer patients across the country.

Hair in excess of eight inches in length, free of chemical dyes and less than five percent gray can be accepted, along with monetary donations to the cause. To learn more, speak to a Pantene representative toll-free at 800-945-7768.

Localized fundraising is also continuing around town. On May 12, Zumba Instructors Melissa Boyles and Amy Krasowski lead a Zumba class to benefit Newtown Relay For Life. The event, which was held at NYA Sports & Fitness, enlisted support from across the community.

“The lumber for the stage was donated from Tim Sieber, manager of Interstate + Lakeland Lumber; Art Randall, owner of Work of Art Custom Carpentry, donated his time and constructed the stage free of charge, and sound equipment was lent to us by Anthony Santella, Marcus Tracy, and Ryan Tracy of Nonymous Productions,” Ms Boyles said. “Rob Frangione from NYA organized the event.”

The NYA Zumba instructors will also be leading a free 30-minute class at 10 pm during the Relay for Life on May 31.

For more information about how to participate or volunteer in the Relay For Life of Newtown call 800-227-2345 or visit .RelayForLife.org/NewtownCT