PROCTORVILLE - Relay for Life events are vehicles to raise money and awareness for cancer research but it takes volunteers to make the whole thing go.

Volunteer organizers for this year's event met last night to continue to work out the details for the 18 hour, dusk-to-dawn fund-raiser set for May 6 and 7 at Fairland High School. Even with a group of 14 volunteers already hard at work, they need more.

"Everything we do with the Relay for Life is related to volunteers," said

Jerry McConnell, co-chairperson since the event began. "We have had two very successful events and look to build on that for this year."

The American Cancer Society sponsors these events that are dedicated to those battling cancer, survivors of the disease and serving as a tribute to those who have been lost.

Teams of 10 to 15 people raise a minimum of $100 per person by taking donations, getting sponsors or selling goods. One member of the team must walk, run or jog around the track during the entire event. Teams can bring tents, coolers, grills and other supplies to make the event more of a celebration. Around-the-clock entertainment includes contests, karaoke, live music, games and more.

The past two years the event was the Eastern part of the county's event but this year it will serve the entire community, he said. McConnell hopes they can exceed last year's funds raised of $60,000.

To hit those numbers, it took 40 team captains and 10 to 20

people per team volunteering their time to fight a disease that has touched nearly everyone in one way or another. So, without volunteers the event would not be possible at all. McConnell hopes to top $80,000 raised this year.

"We feel the Relay is important from the standpoint of raising funds but also from the standpoint of celebrating our cancer survivors," he said.

If you would like to be a team captain or participate in any way please contact Roni Hayes 740-886-3250 ext. 5218, 740-886-5810 or rhayes@scoca-k12.org for additional information.

For general information, contact McConnell at 886-3100 or co-chairperson Stephanie Burcham at 886-7655.