Local Relay For Life committee setting the stage for this year's fund-raising efforts

The Vernon County Relay For Life committee and the American Cancer Society announce the 2008 kick-off meeting to be held on Sunday, Jan. 27. This informational meeting will take place between 2 and 4 p.m., at the Moore-Few Community Room in Nevada. All team captains and co-captains need to attend to pick up team packets and to go over the information in them. Anyone else who is interested in forming a team or learning more about Relay For Life are also invited to attend. Chili, cookies and drinks will be provided.

"By having our kick-off in January, it gives teams time to get organized and more time to raise money for the fight against cancer," said Leonette Hammontree, Relay For Life Committee Chairman. "This year's Relay For Life Walk has been set for June 6 in the Vernon County Courthouse and Nevada Square area, so we all need to get started."

Relay For Life is the American Cancer society's national signature fund-raising activity. Teams gather with tents, food, and walking shoes to participate in the largest fund-raising walk in the nation. It is an overnight event which gives the Vernon County community the opportunity to celebrate with the survivors of cancer, remember those who have succumb to cancer, and to take action and fight back.

According to the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life began in Tacoma, Wash., as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.

In the mid-1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office. He decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed -- running marathons.

In May 1985, Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles. Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer. That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course.

While he circled the track those 24 hours, he thought about how others could take part. He envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could raise more money to fight cancer. Months later he pulled together a small committee to plan the first team relay event known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.

In 1986, 19 teams took part in the first team relay event on the track at the colorful, historical Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000. An indescribable spirit prevailed at the track and in the tents that dotted the infield.

Throughout the year, teams also conduct other fund-raising activities, such as rummage and bake sales, selling tickets for prize drawings and other community events.

"Team captains have a critical role in the Relay," Hammontree explained. "They recruit, motivate and encourage fellow team members and work with the Relay For Life Committee. A Team Captain University is planned especially for them in Carthage on March 1 to help jump start enthusiasm and to help get everyone on tract."

For more information on the Vernon County Relay For Life or to register a team, contact Leonette Hammontree at (417) 667-5939.