More than 30 Relay for Life volunteers gathered Thursday at theJuvenile Rehabilitation Facility to kickoff the American CancerSociety’s annual fund raiser in Lincoln County.

“This a good group. I’m so excited,” said Kim Bridge, who isserving as chairman of the event this year.

“Relay Rocks” is the theme for this year’s all-night event, andteam captains were entertained by an appearance from Jeff “ElvisPresley” Ray.

The goal for this year was set at $85,000, after last year’sevent raised $82,000 in Lincoln County for the American CancerSociety (ACS).

Bridge believes that goal will be met and easily surpassed,because Relay for Life will be the biggest community fund raiserthis year, due to the cancellation of the American HeartAssociation’s Heart Walk.

Relay for Life is set for May 7, from 7 p.m., until 7 a.m. May8, at the Brookhaven Exchange Club Park.

“We’re going to party all night long for a good cause,” saidBridge.

The event will start with cancer survivors making a lap aroundthe track, followed by the team lap.

After that, each team will have at least one person on the trackat all times throughout the night.

Volunteers from the Exchange Club will operate rides from 7 to10 p.m. Proceeds from the sale of tickets will go to the cancersociety.

Before and during Relay for Life, teams will find unique ways toraise money to fight one of America’s leading killers.

Money from Relay for Life is used by ACS in several areas.

“The biggest reason for relay is to find a cure,” saidBridge.

ACS funds cancer research that has allowed new treatments infighting the life-threatening disease.

“That research comes back to your community by helping people inyour community,” said Kathy Prosper, community representative forACS.

Cancer research has resulted in fewer cancer-related deaths andmore treatments are now available.

ACS also donates money to St. Jude Children’s Hospital andfunding for education about cancer.

This year’s Relay for Life of Lincoln County will be held inmemory of Pat Smith and Dennis Roberts.

Other survivors and those who have died of cancer will behonored and remembered during a luminary service.

Teams are still needed to make the event a successful fundraiser and an educational event to let the community know about thedetrimental effects of cancer.

A few churches, families and businesses have already committedto having a team. More groups are encouraged to participate byforming teams.

For information about forming a team, call Bridge at835-9406.

Other committee members include Terri Lynn Watkins, co-chair;Donna McGeehee, public relations; Melissa Hester, luminary chair;Cindie Chambers, registration chair; Becky Morgan, accountingchair; Mary Martha Dixon; Brian Turnage, activities chair; BettyCarol Rushing, survivor chair; and Amy Owens, sponsorshipchair.