Relay for Life steps off Friday

A Cairo High School athletic field will be filled with many enthusiastic folks Friday night, but it won’t be the Syrupmakers they’re cheering for, but rather a cure for cancer. Yes, it is time for the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Cairo.
A slew of volunteers have organized this year’s relay, held at the high school track with registration for cancer survivors beginning at 5 p.m., and the relay’s opening ceremonies at 6 p.m., followed by the first lap around the track walked by cancer survivors. “Caregivers join them for a lap before team members take to the track and walk laps,” explains Sharon Prince, chairman of the Relay organizing committee.  
There are 22 teams registered: Kayo Bearings Teams 1 and 2; Hospice of Southwest Georgia; United Methodist Church Youth; Cairo Presbyterian Church; Cairo High School; Eastside Elementary School; Whigham School; Northside Elementary School; Southside Elementary School; Washington Middle School; WalMart Teams 1 and 2; Grady General Hospital; the Brown Family; LBJ Team; Grady County Employees; Capital City Bank; Park Avenue Bank; City of Cairo and Ira Higdon Grocery Company.
The goal is to raise $50,000 at the Relay with that money benefiting the American Cancer Society for research and patient programs.
In addition to donating money, givers may also purchase raffle tickets for two donated items. The Eastside Baptist Church quilting group has donated a hand-stitched queen sized “Nine-Patch” pattern quilt to raffle; Hospice of Southwest Georgia is raffling a gift basket valued at more than $200. Tickets may be purchased at the Relay and the winners’ names will be drawn that night. The winner does not have to be present to win.
It is a serious cause, but there will be plenty to enjoy during the Relay. “Teams will be judged for their tent decorating talents and we will have the raffles, games and foods such as popcorn, hot dogs, fried peanuts, baked goods, etc., available for purchase,” Prince says.
Groups performing at the Relay include South Georgia Performing Arts, The FIRM of Off Broadstreet Centre for the Dance Arts, Eastside School Chorus and David Williams. Activities include an all male “Brutey” contest, cake walks and a “Race to Recovery” of vehicles hand-built by various teams. Prince says, In addition, “some great music will be provided by DJ Stan Mobley and the always entertaining master of ceremonies is Michael Best.”