Relay for Life kicks off Friday

Fallon’s Relay for Life committee wants a head start on the 2014 season, and as a result of that decision, the kick off dinner is Friday at 7 p.m. at the Wolf Center.

Doors open at 6 p.m. at the center, which is located behind Epworth United Methodist Church on 280 E. Stillwater Ave.

Fallon chairwoman Lacey Lehman said the extra time will allow for additional fundraising for the local Relay for Life, which will be held in late June.

“We want to establish our teams and set our goal,” Lehman said.

Lehman said there will be no team registration fee; instead, individuals will still register, but Lehman said they may participate on a team if they wish.

At the free dinner, Lehman will introduce her committee members and Erin Entwistle, community relationship manager with the American Cancer Society, who assists the Fallon Relay for Life.

Additionally, Lehman said Relay for Life relies on volunteers, and they are encouraged to attend Friday’s dinner.

Lehman became involved with Relay for Life six years ago because her father had fought the disease. She has also served on numerous committees and now enters her second year as chairwoman.

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s annual fight against cancer. Participants remember those who died from cancer and honor those who have fought the disease and won. More than 3,000 communities participate in the United States and its territories including Fallon Relay for Life events.

Lehman said the 2013 Relay for Life finished with $53,000, and she said about 30 percent of the money remains in the local community.

During the 24-plus hours individuals and teams are walking the track or taking part in Relay for Life activities, Lehman said teams camp out at the Churchill County Middle School field; however each team must have a walker circling the track.

“That’s because cancer doesn’t sleep,” she said.