For the second year in a row, Charlotte County Relay for Life has been named the #1 Relay group nationwide for per capita fundraising. That means that in 2017 our small rural county teams raised more money per person in our population than any group of teams anywhere in this nation! What an awesome achievement, and for the second time.

In the last two years these dedicated volunteers have raised over $300,000 to help fight cancer. The money raised goes for research into new cures, new treatments, assisting those who are diagnosed with cancer, and an increased support of research for childhood cancer. Dollars raised from bake sales, stews, sewing projects, pancake suppers, and sponsors help make up the total, and our Truckers Parade Against Cancer (TPAC) team is the powerhouse in raising money. They have raised over $100,000 for each of the last two years with their Truckers Parade, and one of those years they did it during a hurricane!

The 2018 Relay for Life event will be held on Saturday, June 2, from Opening Ceremonies at noon until dusk when the luminaries will be lit. Events are planned for everyone, young and old. There is a Survivor Celebration and dinner for survivors and caregivers. If you are a survivor and have not received an invitation in the past, please call 434-736-9678 and let Bonnie Gilliam know. Our teams want every survivor to be included.

Our theme for 2018 is “Cruizin’ For a Cure” and teams will have decorated campsites depicting how they cruise. Campsites are an interesting part of Relay day, and you should plan to come and review the modes of transportation chosen by teams. Also in the planning stages is a real Cruise In with antique, modified or “special” vehicles. If you are interested in putting your vehicle in the show, please contact one of our Relay team members or call (434) 736-9678.

Thank you to all the citizens of Charlotte County for helping our Relay for Life achieve national recognition, but most of all, for helping our teams as they continue to fight cancer.