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Forsyths Relay for Life kicks off Tuesday
Leaders hope to generate more excitement
Relay For Life 4 es
Pam Gilbert waves to the crowd while walking the survivor lap at last year’s Relay For Life at the Cumming Fairgrounds. - photo by File photo
At a glance

What: Relay for Life kick off event

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Stars and Strikes, 133 Merchant Square

To learn more: Contact Valery Hall at (770) 887-2461 or valeryhall@yahoo.com, or visit www.forsythrelayforlife.org
Those interested in Forsyth’s Relay for Life may want to put on their bowling shoes before their walking ones this year.

While the relay itself won’t be until May 14-15, the annual kick off event for the American Cancer Society fundraiser will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Stars and Strikes.

Valery Hall, chair of the Relay committee, said the venue change this year is in hopes of drawing a large crowd.

“Stars and Strikes has always been a big supporter of the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life ... in hopes of bringing out a larger audience of all ages and stages of life, this would be a fantastic location,” she said.

“We hoped the new location would generate more excitement about the event,” added Suzanne Hendricks, American Cancer Society community manager for the area.

This year, the local Relay committee hopes to raise $250,000 for the American Cancer Society through participation from at least 80 teams, composed of more than 1,000 walkers and more than 250 survivors.

While the kick-off event itself, which will be held in the Coaches Corner Room, won’t include bowling, those attending can plan on it before or after the event, said Hendricks.  

Hall said the theme of this year’s Relay is “another birthday of cancer survival.”

“So, each table this year at the [kick-off] event will be focused around a birthday party theme,” she said.

“What better place to celebrate your birthday than Stars and Strikes,” said Hendricks.

Tuesday’s event is free and open to anyone interested in sponsoring the event, organizing a Relay for Life team or just learning more.

“It’s important for the community to attend Tuesday’s kick off so they can learn about the different opportunities to make a difference in the fight against cancer,” said Hendricks.

Hall said the night will feature testimonials from survivors and videos highlighting Relay, along with the introduction of this year’s community chair, state Sen. Jack Murphy, and honorary chairs, youth of the county have battled or are currently being treated for cancer.

Stars and Strikes will also provide food and drinks for the event.