American Cancer Society teams are getting ready for their biggest annual fund-raiser, Relay for Life, on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Leflore County Agri Center.
Approximately 21 teams are participating in this year's event for Leflore and Carroll counties, said co-chairman and breast cancer survivor Liz Daves.
Teams raise money by being sponsored for the laps they will walk in the Agri Center. Awards will be given for the top fund-raisers.
Music, rides for kids, raffles and other activities will be part of the fun-filled night.
So far, the leading five teams are Cooking for a Cure with $10,179 raised, KUDZU with $9,930.05, ACS Sponsors with $7,500, Riverview with $3,768, and ACS Relay Volunteers with $3,315, according to the event Web site.
Last year, the Leflore County chapter of ACS raised $50,000 through Relay for Life and other activities, said chairman Moss Melton. This year's goal is $55,000.
This is the second year Relay for Life has posted team information at www.acsevents.org/relay/ms/leflore, Daves said.
In addition to team members and fund-raising goals, viewers can find inspiring accounts of cancer victims' stories and courage online.
"We have some really moving stories on there," Daves said.
The event's Opening Ceremonies will begin with a survivors' walk, survivors' and caregivers' walk and then laps by team members.
A "Womanless Beauty Contest" will feature male volunteers in drag who collect donations in their handbags.
For the "Cigarette Stamp Out," donated cigarettes are spread out on the ground to be stomped by children.
Jumping bags will also be available for kids for $1, and other rides will be a quarter, said volunteer Brenda Daves.
This is first year Relay for Life will have a pony ride.
Musical acts The Promise Quartet, The Ramblers and Men of Zion will play throughout the evening.
Candles will be lit in honor of cancer victims during the "Luminaria Ceremony," followed by announcements of award and raffle winners to close out the night.
