Relay For Life Seeks More Teams

If you don't have a Relay For Life team yet, it's not too late to start one, according to Geri Snyder, publicity chairman for Sebring's Relay For Life.

Team numbers are low and the number of members is low, as well, said Snyder, who herself is a three-time cancer survivor.

"If you don't have a team - you can get one going," she said.

Anyone interested in getting involved with Relay For Life, the American Cancer Society's premier fundraising event, is invited to attend a planning meeting at 5:30 p.m. today at the Sebring Parkway Church of Christ, located at 3800 Sebring Parkway.

"This meeting is for new teams or returning teams from last year that have not registered," said Jennifer McGee, event chairwoman for Sebring.

Teams can learn how to get started, what to do and what help is available.

So far, the Sebring teams have already raised more than $10,000. Last year they raised about $135,000.

So far Sebring has fielded 31 teams compared to 40 last year. Its goal is to get 40 teams going again before its main relay event, according to Denise Benavides, American Cancer Society unit executive director for Hardee and Highlands counties.

Relay for Life of Sebring events will be held at Firemen's Field (Sebring High School football field), 3514 Kenilworth Blvd., in Sebring. The program starts at 1 p.m. April 25 and ends at 7 a.m. on April 26.

Avon Park has 12 teams so far but its goal is to field 25 teams before its event. Last year they raised $34,000 for cancer.

Relay for Life of Avon Park events will be held at Avon Park High School football field,

700 E. Main St., Avon Park. The program starts at 12 p.m. on March 14 and ends at 6 a.m. March 15.

Lake Placid has 16 teams and has a goal of 25 teams as well. In 2008 they raised $65,000 for cancer research.

Relay for Life of Lake Placid events will be held at the Lake Placid High School football field, located on Dal Hall Boulevard, Lake Placid. The program begins at 6 p.m. May 1, and ends at noon May 2.

For more information, call Benavides at 863-832-0060 or 866-739-5288, Ext. 5802 or go to www.relayforlife.org/.