American Cancer Society's Relay

Residents are grabbing their running shoes and getting involved with Relay For Life.

Relay For Life is an international program that raises funds for the development of cancer research through fun and exercise. The program was initially started by the American Cancer Society and has since spread to countries such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Greece, Honduras, Ireland, Jamaica, Malaysia, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and many others.

Relay raises money for the American Cancer Society through participants acquiring sponsors, who pay them based on how many laps are completed. A participant can either start their own team or join one already existing.

There are many ways to help raise funds for the society. You can do it yourself or through your work through basic fundraisers like having a car wash, hosting a potluck party or allowing your workplace to "Go Casual for Cancer" where people donate $5 to dress casually for the day.

Becoming a sponsor is a little different. There are seven levels of sponsorship, each with a different monetary amount: Circle of Friends, $250; Activities Sponsor, $500; Luminaria Sponsor, $500; Survivor Lap Sponsor, $750; Gold Sponsor, $1,000; Platinum Sponsor, $1,500; and Hope Sponsor, $2,500.

A special event during Relay for Life is the luminaria ceremony. A luminary is a glowing bag filled with sand and candles decorated to honor those who have either lost the battle, are currently fighting, or have overcome cancer. Those who purchase a luminary have the words "In Honor Of" if honoring a survivor or "In Memory Of" if honoring a lost loved one printed on their luminary To buy a luminary, go to www.nvrelay.com or come into The Record-Courier. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

Gardnerville's Relay for Life will take place at Lampe Park on Saturday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. For more information, contact Warren Kurtz at 215-1478.