Kick Off Event Planned for Wilmington Relay for Life

Editor's Note: The following information by Relay for Life.

Wilmington’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life will be celebrating Mardi Gras and kicking off their 2013 campaign at 6:30 p.m. on Feb 12. “Let the Good times Roll” is this year’s theme for the annual charity event, and the good times begin that night. The public is invited to attend the party. The Kick Off celebration will be held at the Wilmington Middle School cafeteria.  

Frank Kelley, long time Wilmington resident and prominent citizen, will be the featured speaker. Kelley was the founder of the Wildcat track and field program, and he continues to support the team as a volunteer coach. 

The evening includes food, music, and plenty of fun. Details of this year’s Relay will be presented, and attendees will also have a chance to learn more about Relay For Life in general. Relay For Life came to Wilmington in 2009 and continues to grow each year. Entertainment and activities have expanded annually.  

The event has grown to become one of the largest community happenings in the town. The tremendous support and enthusiasm from the residents, who come not just from Wilmington but from surrounding communities too, has led to a track record of success. So far the award-winning Wilmington Relay has raised $611,000 for the fight against cancer.

As in the past, this year’s June 14 Relay For Life will be an overnight event. It provides people with an opportunity to come together and share in the message of hope.  

Cancer survivors, their loved ones, and others from the community form teams. They will camp out all night and take turns walking laps.  Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event because cancer never sleeps.  

Prior to that night, teams will raise funds in a variety of ways. They solicit and receive on-line donations, hold bake sales, conduct drawings, host fitness events, and any other thing they can think of to fight back against cancer.  

The Relay begins with a special Opening Ceremony which focuses on survivorship and includes the honored group of survivors walking around the track with their caregivers. That evening there is also a very beautiful and poignant Luminaria Ceremony.  

Everyone is invited. The Relay For Life itself is also open to the public.  Activities and entertainment continue throughout the evening. There will be games, music, and much more. Food will be available for purchase too.  It’s fun for the whole family.    

For more information, visit www.wilmingtonrfl.com and come to Kick Off Celebration 2013 on February 12 at 6:30 pm at the Wilmington Middle School.