craigdailypress.com

Craig — The theme - and more importantly, the fundraising goal - behind this summer's second Craig Relay for Life event has direct tie-ins with the city's centennial anniversary.

This year's theme is "A History of Helping," event co-chairwoman Elisa Hayes said, a slogan meant to pay homage to "everything Craig and Moffat County has done the last 100 years."

Relay for Life's fundraising goal pays similar respect to the 100-year-annivesary, Hayes said.

Officially, the American Cancer Society has set this year's goal for the Craig event at $55,000, a number in the same ballpark as last year's $68,000 total. However, Hayes said organizers are seeking to raise a nice, round $100,000 for cancer research.

By working together, she said, the community could raise that much money.

"I think (the chances) are very good if the community pulls together like they did last year," she said.

Although five months away, Relay for Life organizers are already prepping for the July 18 and 19 event at Moffat County High School. A kickoff celebration is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the high school commons area.

Anyone interested in participating in Relay for Life or seeking more information should attend the meeting.

This year's fundraising goal isn't the only number Relay for Life organizers are hoping to surpass. Hayes said organizers are seeking more participants than last year - 27 teams comprised of eight to 15 members per team.

"We're goaling for 35 teams," she said. "We have 24 teams already, so we're hoping."

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's largest fundraiser and brought in about $405 million worldwide last year. The overnight event is designed to raise awareness of cancer prevention, celebrate survivors and raise money for a cure.

For more information on Wednesday's kickoff celebration, call event co-chairwoman Yvonne McAnnally at 824-3445.