This year, Picayune will celebrate 20 years of participation in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life movement.
According to the ACS’s website, Relay for Life is a crusade to remember the lost, celebrate those battling cancer and work to provide a cure.
Although this year’s main event is not until May 9, event lead Lisa Lee has many events and fundraisers planned to raise awareness and donations for the American Cancer Society.
Not only is Lee searching for teams and participants, but survivors as well.
“We don’t have a way to invite survivors to the events,” Lee said. “We collect minimal information. We want to reach out to them so that they can participate in our event.”
Survivors receive a T-shirt and are honored at the survivor luncheon in May.
Although Lee is searching for survivors who reside in Pearl River County, she said survivors from surrounding counties are welcome to attend and be honored while the event celebrates their survival.
Next month, fundraising events will shift into high gear with Dancing with the Relay Stars on March 21. The event will be held at Southern Char. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event begins at 7 p.m. Tickets will be available to purchase on March 4 and cost $40 per person, which includes a dinner buffet. A silent auction will also be held.
The Spring Street Festival will be held on March 28 and 29 and Lee will have a booth to collect survivor information and sell purple awareness ribbons.
On April 4, Nissan of Picayune will be giving away a 2015 Nissan Versa. Tana Cochran, relay captain and Nissan employee, said that they will also be selling food throughout the day to raise funds for Relay for Life.
“Entrants must bring in a Nissan postcard, which can be found at local event sponsors’ businesses,” Cochran said. “Registration begins at 2 p.m. on the day of the event. The drawing for the vehicle will be held at 5 p.m. Included with registration is a chance to win one of 80 $50 gift certificates.”
For more information contact Cochran at 601-899-5465.
On April 11, Relay is hosting a Disney character breakfast at Applebee’s Restaurant from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tickets are $5 per person.
During the month of April, Lee is looking for local churches who are willing to dedicate one Sunday’s worship service to cancer.
“We ask that they recognize their cancer survivors and those lost, and take a love offering to be donated to the American Cancer Society,” Lee said. “Also, encourage your congregation wear purple on that Sunday.”
There is a Tree of Hope at The First Bank, located at 1506 Hwy. 43 S., Picayune, Lee said. Ornaments can be purchased for a minimum donation of $5 and can be designated in honor or memory of someone.
The Relay for Life main event will be held on May 9 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Jack Read Park, Lee said. There will be a survivors’ luncheon at First Baptist Church of Picayune at 2 p.m.
At 4 p.m., Lee said the relay race will kick off with a survivor lap. The luminaire service begins at 9 p.m. Luminaires will be sold for $10, $25 can buy a sky lantern and $100 will secure a torch of hope.
The Glow Run 5K begins at 9:30 p.m., Lee said. Anyone interested in registering may do so at www.active.com and search for Light up the Night Glow Run 5K and Fun Run. Early registration costs $25 and late registration is $35.
There will be fun run at 8 p.m. for young adults and people who cannot walk or run the 5K, Lee said. People can also register for this run at www.active.com. The cost to participate is $15.
Participants will receive T-shirts and Lee encourages everyone to wear glow-in-the-dark clothing during the night races.
Lee said they are looking for sponsors for Dancing with the Relay Stars, the Glow Run and Relay for Life.
For more information and to submit survivor information contact Lee at 601-394-8453 and through email at lisalovespeace2@gmail.com.
For up-to-date event information, follow on Facebook at Relay for Life of Pearl River County/Picayune.