01/30/2009
Relay For Life Kicks Off Annual Event
Ellicottville Central School Tuesday, February 3 at 6 PM

On June 6, 2009, Relay For Life will be moving back to a familiar location - Ellicottville Central School. We will also be celebrating Relay’s 25th Birthday since the first event was held in Tacoma, Washington in 1985. To commemorate this important milestone and start the Relay season, the committee will be hosting a kick-off celebration on Tuesday, February 3 at 6 pm at Ellicottville Central School. Current and past team captains, survivors, sponsors and anyone who is interested in learning more about becoming involved in Relay for Life is invited to attend.

“We are extremely excited about celebrating Relay’s 25th Birthday this year at Ellicottville Central School” states Kate O’Stricker, event chair. “Not only are we celebrating 25 years of Relay, but we are also celebrating survivorship, remembering those we have lost and fighting back to make a difference”. In 2008 the event raised more than $20,000 to help fund programs and services provided locally by the American Cancer Society. “A big thanks goes out to Mark Ward and Ellicottville Central School for inviting us to use the school track and joining us in the fight” said Mike Porpiglia, American Cancer Society Community Executive. “We also need to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Ellicottville Fire Department for being our host and sponsor for the past several years.”

Online registration is now available at www.RelayForLife.org/CattaraugusCountyNY for anyone wanting to get a head start. Registration forms will also be available at the kick-off celebration. The first 20 team captains who register and pay their fee online before April 1 will receive a 2009 commemorative pin. Team captains who attend the kick off will also be able to select their campsite that night.

For more information regarding the Relay For Life of Cattaraugus County or for cancer information, contact your American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit online at www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. The American Cancer Society Eastern Division has 46 community-based offices, involving thousands of volunteers throughout NY and NJ.  For 24-hour cancer information, the public can call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/nynj.