News : Relay for Life organizers seeking sponsors; event set for June 12

The Relay For Life of Benton County, which will be held Friday, June 12, at the Benton Community School Track, is the fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in their mission to save lives and create more birthdays by helping people stay well, get well and finding cures by funding research. The goal for this year is $27,000.

One portion of the fundraising is sponsorship with businesses, clubs and individuals donating at various levels. Donations of $250 will have their company name on the "Hope Club" t-shirts and donations of $500 or more will have their company logo on the shirts. These sponsors will also have the opportunity to participate in the Sponsor Recognition Lap at the relay and will receive a sponsor certificate and window decal after the event.

Another portion of the fundraising are the teams. There is no charge to have a team and no fee for being a member. Relay For Life teams are committed to finishing the fight against cancer and raise funds to support the American Cancer Society's lifesaving mission. All team members raising $100 or a team average of $100 per person will receive a "Hope Club" t-shirt.

Teams and individuals can sign up for the Relay For Life by visiting www.RelayForLife.org/BentonCountyIa or by calling 1-800-227-2345. Local volunteers for team recruitment are Loretta Vogt - 319-454-6459 and Pat Deklotz - 319-446-7530, for assistance with online registration.

The Relay For Life of Benton County will begin at 6 p.m. at the Van Horne track. There will be a survivors lap and luminaria ceremony. More information will follow.

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of nearly 3 million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 22 percent decline in cancer death rates in America during the past two decades, and a 50 percent in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14.5 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate another birthday this year. ACS is determined to finish the fight against cancer. As the nation's largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, we're finding cures and ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, visit cancer.org or call anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345. s/Loretta Vogt and Pat Deklotz