The largest annual fight against cancer event, Relay For Life, is now just a month away and several volunteers are working tirelessly to get ready for the big event and continue to raise as much money as possible for the American Cancer’s Society’s research to find a cure for the disease that touches so many lives, including here in the Albany/Clinton County area.

The Clinton County Relay For Life Committee continues to meet and finalize plans leading up to this year’s Relay. This year’s event will have a western theme, “Saddle Up for a Cure.”

The event is slated for Friday, April 22 from 4 p.m. to around midnight at the Clinton County High School, again starting outdoors and then moving indoors in the evening hours for opening ceremonies and other events throughout the night.

The Clinton County Relay For Life Committee held its most recent meeting last Tuesday night, March 15 at the Early Childhood Center with approximately seven members on hand.

Local Relay Event Coordinator Amanda Messer chaired the meeting and announced the major sponsors for the event. Sponsorship among local businesses ranged from $100 up to $500 and according to Messer, exceeded expectations with over $3,000 raised through the major sponsorships.

Among other issues discussed was the amount of luminaries needed for the night of the event, Event Leadership Team (ELT) members to work the day of the event, and some programs that will be on tap throughout the evening, as well as guest speakers. The Alumni Band is slated to perform around 6 p.m.

The committee is continuing to work to develop the full program of events.

There will also be music provided throughout the night, as a DJ based in Russell County has volunteered to provide the sound system and music.

The committee also discussed a fundraiser that will be called “Purple in the Pulpit” where local pastors will be asked to wear purple the Sunday before the Relay event and possibly seek donations from church congregations with proceeds going to support the American Cancer Society and the local Relay For Life. More details on this proposed event will be announced later.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday, March 29 at 5 p.m. at the Early Childhood Center and anyone interested in helping out with this year’s event is welcome to attend the meetings. Also, it is not too late to get together a team or donate through various fundraisers being held leading up to the event.

For more information on Relay For Life, how to donate, or general information, contact Amanda Messer or any Relay For Life committee member.