Relay for Life preparations begin

By Miranda Mattheis | Dadeville Record

Published Wednesday, September 24, 2008

The Relay for Life event held earlier this year raised a total of $68,000 for the American Cancer Society, which was $9,000 short of the $77,000 goal.

However, the Relay for Life organizers are looking to turn that around next year and have already started planning for the next event, which will be held May 9, 2009.

A group of event organizers met Monday to discuss the upcoming kickoff event to be held in late October.

“The reason we want to have a fall kickoff is because some people want to go ahead and get started,” said Amanda Treadwell of the American Cancer Society. “We want to give those people an opportunity.”

Approximately $270 has already been raised for next year in memory of Ed Otralek. Otralek’s grandson sellers had a birthday party and the money he received has been given to Relay for Life.

“Instead of gifts, they received money in Mr. Ed’s memory,” said Bridget Hand, coordinator of Tallapoosa County Relay for Life.

Calendars will be another fundraiser this year. Relay for Life will accept nominations for the names of people who have survived or are fighting breast cancer. Pictures of those who are nominated will be placed on a poster and community members will have an opportunity to vote. The top 12 people will be placed in the calendar, and the calendars will be sold.

While all the plans are still underway, Relay for Life organizers encourage everyone interested to get involved.

The next committee meeting will be held Oct. 6 at noon at Cecil’s.

“If anybody is interested in being part of the community, they can come,” Hand said.