Getting ready to Relay -- 2014 style

Relay teams are gearing up for 2014's Stoddard County Relay for Life event, scheduled to take place on Friday, May 2 at Dexter's West City Park.

A full schedule of activities is on tap throughout the evening and into the early morning hours of Saturday, according to event co-chairs, Jennifer Hartlein and Belinda Worley.

The Relay for Life event annually raises funds for the American Cancer Society that goes toward cancer research and education in the hope that someday the disease will be obsolete.

"That's why we Relay," says Worley. "Every penny, nickel and dime that is donated is aimed at ridding this world of this disease."

It is hoped that 2014 will see more team participation than ever before. Several teams have already organized, and others are in the planning stages. Teams consist of as many members as a group wishes to include. Some teams are made up of co-workers. Some are made up of all family members. Others are church groups, and yet others are groups and organizations, sororities and survivors themselves.

Teams have come up with unique methods of fundraising over the years that have included everything from jewelry sales to a challenge that involved residents waking up to find a pink commode in their front yard with a request attached to pay $10 to have it removed. The manner in which funds have been raised are almost as numerous as the team members themselves.

For anyone interested in obtaining more information about team formation, Worley may be contacted at 421-1100 and Hartlein at 614-9093.

The sale of luminary bags is another popular fundraising effort at Relay time. Luminaria bags may be purchased at a cost of $5 prior to the event or on the night of Relay. Bearing the name(s) of loved ones who have lost their lives to a cancer diagnosis or who have battled and survived the disease, those bags are illumated with candles after dark on the night of Relay. Local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4H clubs members and the members of the Mingo Job Corps volunteer to encircle the oval track at West City Park with the illuminated bags as survivors take the first lap of the evening around the track to the applause of friends, family, and supporters. The Luminary Ceremony will begin at 10 p.m. this year.

Teams will have a multitude of food and games on hand for Relay attendees. A Survivors' Appreciation tent will be open at 4 p.m. at the park.

A complete agenda of activities for the May 2, 2014 Relay for Life event will be published as the event draws near.

Survivor's Dinner set for April 29

The 2014 Relay for Life Survivor's Dinner is slated for Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at the Lighthouse Christian Center beginning at 6 p.m.

Each year, Stoddard County Relay for Life volunteers sponsor this event to honor those who have battled cancer or are currently battling the disease. Cancer survivors and a caregiver are invited to attend a full course meal at no charge.

As many as 220 individuals have been served at the Survivor's Dinner in the past. Nikki Finch, who has chaired the event for several years, may be reached at 573-614-1401 for additional information. There is no need to make reservations to attend.