Relay steps up fight against cancer again

By SHARON KERR
Staff writer

THE OPENING CEREMONIES at the annual Relay for Life is dedicated to cancer survivors. Newsboy file photo

How does a Midnight Chocolate Buffet sound?

No, this is not the newest luxury indulgence on a cruise out of Galveston; it is First National Bank’s team fundraiser for the Relay for Life, to be held this Friday, April 25-26, all night on the courthouse square in Jasper.

The annual Relay raises money to fight cancer, and each year teams from local schools and businesses try to find new ways to keep the event fresh and exciting.

Team chair Sandy Flores says 37 teams have registered so far this year. At least one member of each team must keep their baton in motion all night, walking laps around the courthouse.

“What we want people to understand is that even if they aren’t on a team and don’t plan to walk, we need them to come out and support this event,” Flores said. “There’s a whole lot of fun going on just for the observers, good food, kids activites and entertainment all night long.

“Besides, if they come out for the fun, maybe they’ll catch the fever and want to be on a team nex  year,” Flores said.

If you really need an excuse to dress silly and join the pajama party on the courthouse lawn, maybe the theme for this year will do it:

“Hooray for Hollywood: closing the curtain on cancer.”

Newsboy photo/Sharon Kerr SANDY FLORES plants flags representing new cancer cases expected in 2008 in Jasper and Newton counties.

Teams jumped on that with names such as Avengers for Survival from Advanced Financial Services, the Burkeville Blockbusters, Few Primary’s No Deal to Cancer, and A Night with the Stars, the all-star team from Advantage Plus HomeCare.

The first lap of the Relay always goes to cancer survivors and their caregivers, who will then be honored at a survivors dinner.

Impromptu activities are often the most memorable, and some teams plan all year how to steal the show. Last year it might have been the sparkler lap, or the bubble blowers, or all the young Picassos with chalk creating street art.

Teams also set up booths to raise more money in this very competitive event. Some teams have a big lead from pre-events like selling barbecue plates or chances on a hand-made quilt.

All’s fair in this fight where the goal is to beat cancer, not each other.

Teams from Kirbyville and Jasper challenged each other to an all-night co-ed softball tournament the weekend of April 12. Twelve teams raised more than $1,500 for the American Cancer Society. The Ebenezer Prayer Warriors hosted the tournament.

Food is arguably one of the most popular draws. Besides the chocolate buffet, FNB’s Walking with Interest team will offer sausag  on a stick; the County Troopers are making gumbo and taco soup; the Curves team will have Coke floats and a sweet shop (don’t worry, you’ll walk off the calories); the Falkner Family and Friends will have a coffee bar; Few Primary will sell popcorn and sodas; Raymond’s Cutters are roasting turkey legs and boudain; and Charlie’s Angels will have heavenly tea cakes.

Planned activities include a scavenger hunt at 8 p.m., a survivor fashion show at 9 p.m., a Cat in the Hat puppet show at 11 p.m., Wheel of Fortune at midnight, a cake walk at 2 a.m., Deal or No Deal at 3 a.m.

The Luminaria ceremony will take place at 10 p.m. Last year hundreds paper bags with candles ringed the courthouse square. “Every candle has a name” is the poem that is read in honor of those have faced cancer.

New this year will be the Fight Back Ceremony at 6 a.m. Saturday. Organizers will plant 187 flags to draw attention to the projected number of new cancer cases in Jasper and Newton counties for 2008, to encourage those attending the Relay to keep up the fight.

Event leader Lloyd Parsons is still accepting offers for entertainment; call 384- 8296. Last year Newton mayor Rachel Martin played the guitar and sang for the crowd.

For more information on teams, contact Flores at 384- 8196.