Annual Harlem Relay for Life to begin on Friday

Volunteers will gather at Harlem Middle School Friday and Saturday to continue the walking fight against cancer.

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The city's eighth annual Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, will begin at 6 p.m. with a sweet tea contest and opening ceremonies. The Survivors Lap will start at 7 p.m. at the Harlem Middle School track.

Lee Ann Meyer, event chairwoman, said she hopes about 60 survivors participate in the lap in their honor.

Interested survivors can contact Meyer at (706) 556-8222 or Harlem City Hall at (706) 556-0043.

Fifteen teams -- including long-running teams the Trail Blazers and Energizer Bunnies -- have been working since January raising funds to meet the $50,000 goal.

"We are doing pretty well for this point in the game," Meyer said, adding that the teams have raised nearly $18,000.

The city's relay has raised about $400,000 for the American Cancer Society in seven years, including a record $71,849 in 2008.

The 2009 relay theme is "Esperanza: Hope for Tomorrow".

The event will run from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday. Volunteers will conduct fundraising activities and have team members walk around the track all night to symbolize the never-ending fight against cancer.

The night will feature guest speaker state Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John Oxendine, performances by Brittany Bush and local band St. Bandit.

Games and contests for participants also will be held during the evening.

The luminary service will begin at 9:15 p.m.

For information, visit www.relayforlife.org, call Meyer at (706) 556-8222 or call the Augusta office of the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345.