For the past two years, I have had the opportunity to get a first hand look at how a big event, like the Bay Village Relay for Life, is pulled off. Relay for Life is an annual event put on by the American Cancer Society to raise money for cancer patients.

My eighth grade year I got involved as a team member, then team captain, and eventually my junior and senior years I have been on the Relay Committee.         

The Relay Committee works hard for many months to plan the event.  Besides simply planning the logistics, the Relay Committee encouraged promotion of the event.  Also, the Relay encourages Team Captains to sign up and build their teams.

Being a Relay for Life team captain has given me the opportunity to truly make a difference first hand. Being a team captain includes organizing meetings with your team and fundraising before the event, along with planning an on-site fundraiser. 

It is work but it is definitely rewarding. This opportunity allows you to work with other community members who feel just as passionate about ending cancer.           

The Bay Village Relay for Life will take place this year on May 28-29. It will be at the Bay High School track. This year the Relay Committee is incorporating new ideas to the event, including a Taste of the West Side event at Relay, a Bark for Life pre-event, and a more innovative survivor dinner.

Be sure to check out this year's Relay for Life! For more information, feel free to contact me at rachiejane700@sbcgloal.net.  Consider becoming a Team Captain! It’s going to be a great event.