Relay for Life seeks award nominees

WEST FRANKFORT — Franklin County Relay for Life officials are gearing up for their 2016 campaign.
The event will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight June 24 at the West Frankfort Park.
Several fundraising events have been planned, including some new ones, to garner support for the American Cancer Society.
Teresa Bates, co-coordinator of the Franklin County organization, says its most imminent need now are nominations for Honorary Survivor and Honorary Caregiver awards the organization presents at Relay for Life.
"That's where we ask people to write a nomination letter about a party that is a resident of Franklin and either they be a cancer survivor or caregiver," explained Bates. "We will honor both at our Relay, at parades and all the event prior to it."
The committee is asking for brief letters describing why a certain person should be honored. Nominations will be accepted between Feb. 1 and April 1. The committee will announce its selections during the April 21 Relay for Life meeting.
"You can put as much detail in it as you like, you can make it a two- or three-page letter or one paragraph. We just want details on what that person has done."
Nominations should be mailed to Bates at 1407 N. Lincoln Drive, Benton, 62812 or you may email her at terrib430000@yahoo.com.
Bates said 30 teams participated in Relay for Life a year ago. The organization raised $38,000, surpassing its $35,000 goal.
Teams are in the progress of conducting their own fundraising activities, including a team from Wal-Mart, who are making quilts for an auction. Bates said more teams and sponsors are encouraged to participate in this year's event.
This weekend, the Zeigler-Royalton Coaches vs. Cancer team will have its Bennie Drust Memorial Alumni game at 6 p.m. at Z-R High School.
This is the sixth year of Zeigler-Royalton's participation in the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative. The community has raised in excess of $90,000 during that time period. Z-R is one of only two schools in the Lakeshore Division (Michigan, Indiana and Illinois) participating in the project, according to organizer Randy Risley.
Another new fundraising event — a quarter auction — will be held at 2 p.m. March 19 at the West Frankfort Aquatic Center.
The cost is $20 for a paddle; $5 for a one-time paddle.
"We're going to have vendors available and we have a lot of prizes available and I'm working on additional prizes and items to give away during this event," Bates said. "I've seen them done and I've heard great things about these type of events but it is something different for this community."
Bates said the Bark for Life event will return this year in the fall.
Sesser Mayor Jason Ashmore has re-issued a challenge to other mayors in the county as part of the mayor's challenge fundraiser.
"We're always looking for new teams to come in and assist, we're seeking more members on the committee and sponsorships. We're starting to get more teams since the holidays are over and the new year has begun."
More information about Relay for Life is available on the organization's Facebook page, Franklin County Relay for Life of Southern Illinois.