With the official “kick-off” for Clinton County’s Relay For Life already having taken place, the work to help raise funds locally for the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event is barely underway but continues right up through the main event next spring.

The Relay For Life Committee met Monday night of this week and discussed various fundraising activities that are ongoing or will be upcoming in the months ahead. The committee also selected a theme for next year’s event, set the day for the 2016 Relay For Life, as well as the goal they would like to see Clinton County reach.

In 2014, the goal that had been set was $50,000 but that amount was exceeded by a tune of just over $55,000 being collected. Due to the economic climate and other factors, the committee decided to again set the 2016 goal at $50,000.

They will also go with a ‘western’ type them for the main event, “Saddle Up for a Cure,” and set the date for next year’s Relay for Life to be Saturday, April 23. The program will again be held at Clinton County High School from 3 to 10 p.m.

The primary events will be the opening ceremonies, lighting of luminarias and closing with several activities presented by the various teams throughout the afternoon and evening.

It was also noted at Monday’s meeting that the opening kick-off was a great success, raising close to $500 and Hope Lives Here t-shirts are still available for purchase and will be on sale during the upcoming Meet the Bulldogs night. If you would like to purchase a shirt, you can contact Community Manager Amanda Messer or local chairperson Lorie Dalton..

The committee also discussed various fundraisers, getting more teams involved and finding additional Event Leadership members.

The next meeting of the Relay For Life committee, which will be the final meeting before next January, is scheduled for Tuesday, November 23 at 5 p.m. at the Early Childhood Center and anyone interested in Relay For Life is invited to attend.