With August just four months away, the annual Relay for Life of Falcon/Peyton is gearing up, and it takes a team of dedicated leaders and volunteers to get the wheels moving.The American Cancer Societyís Relay for Life Falcon/Peyton is an annual event that draws hundreds of people who want to honor cancer survivors; those who have lost their battle with cancer; those living with cancer; and families and friends as support systems.ìCancer affects so many, and we encourage everyone to learn more about us and what we do,î said Diane Saign, a longtime member of Relay for Life Falcon/Peyton. She also helped develop Relay for Life events in the South Bay area in Southern California several years ago.The Relay For Lifeís goal to provide support and encouragement to those affected by cancer manifests itself in a variety of events, from the kickoff party in April through the conclusion of the event, this year slated for Aug. 20.The kickoff party is April 19, and a special event honoring survivors will also be held that evening.ìThatís an evening of opportunity for people to get to know about Relay for Life and what we do,î Saign said. ìIf they want to sign up and form a team or just learn more about Relay, thatís the place to be.îMonthly leadership meetings provide fundraising tips and advise team captains on the best methods for forming relay teams. ìWe want to make this as non-taxing on the team captains as possible,î said Saign, who together with her husband leads her own team each year in honor of her friend Bonnie, who died of brain cancer. ìWe want people to pay homage to cancer survivors and to those battling cancer. Being on a relay team shouldnít be overwhelming.îSome teams are named after their loved ones. Saignís team is called ìBonnieís Buddies,î in memory of her friend.Another fundraiser in conjunctions with Relay for Life is the annual golf tournament, founded by Saign four years ago. This year, the Antler Creek Golf Club will host the tournament, scheduled for Friday, July 29. It will be one of the last functions before the 12-hour Relay for Life event Aug. 20, which begins at noon and ends at midnight.ìIn the past, weíve had 24-hour long events, but that was hard to do,î Saign said. ìSo, we do 12 hours, and weíve moved the event to August, when school is back in session. We are hoping to get more high school students to participate.îThe Aug. 20 event begins with an opening ceremony, and also includes a survivorís reception, a Luminaria ceremony, themed laps, entertainment and more.Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society for local patient services, education, advocacy and research.Event timeline:Leadership meetingsApril 6, May 4, June 1, July 6 and Aug. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at JAKs Brewing Co., 7654 McLaughlin Rd. in FalconKickoff partyTuesday, April 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the ìcommonsî at Falcon High School, 10255 Lambert RoadFood and drink will be provided. RSVP to Tyler Schultz, 719-630-4978Golf tournamentFriday, July 29, Best Ball 9 a.m. shotgun start at Antler Creek Golf Club, 9650 Antler Creek Dr.$100 per player (50 percent goes to Relay for Life); cost is tax deductible; register prior to June 15 to be entered into a special drawing.Sponsorships are available. Contact Tyler at Antler Creek to register: 719-494-1900. Contact Diane Saign at 719-494-1455 for sponsorship details.Relay for Life windupSaturday, Aug. 20, noon to midnight at Falcon High School. For more information, visit http://relayforlife.org/falconpetyon or https://facebook.com/RFLFalconPetytonCO or contact Tyler Schultz at 719-630-4978.Check future issues of The New Falcon Herald for more on the Relay for Life.
