DiAnna Reisinger

The party room at Microtel Suites was filled with energetic participants who met for a big party to kick off the Relay For Life, which will be held next April 17 and 18 on the track of Lehigh Senior High School on Gunnery Rd.

DiAnna Reisinger, chairman, and John Graham, vice chairman of next year’s Lehigh program to pay for cancer research to save lives, were emcees. Reisinger’s husband, Andy, was an important part of the get-together showing a Power Point presentation of the Relay from last year and plans for this year.

DiAnna Reisinger said the Relay for next spring will be an overnight affair, meaning that each team will have a representative walking on the track day and night.

The crowd cheered during the upbeat presentation by Reisinger and Graham.

Reisinger says she is hoping for 40 teams to participate this year with about 10 to 12 members in each team. The goal is to raise $40,000. Last year’s Relay for Life reached it goal of raising $37,000.

Ginger Ribinski and Mason Terrsal were some of te Relay For Life game players at the recent Relay For Life kickoff party in Lehigh. Mason could guess the names of many TV shows from the theme music. Those that did, received gifts wrapped in birthday paper. Photo by Mel Toadvine

“I am pretty sure we reach our goal. Our people are excited and after all, this is a way for us to fight the battle against cancer and to help those with cancer,” she said. The event will begin at 3 p.m. on April 17.

The large room was decorated with colorful balloons and the theme of the kickoff was birthday time and gifts were handed out throughout the large crowd while they played games recognizing TV theme music over the years.

Some 65 people screamed and clapped during the kickoff ceremony. The American Cancer Society if celebrating its birthday and more can be seen online at: morebirthdays.com.

“Last year we exceeded our goal,” Graham shouted to the group. “We can do more with the 2010 Relay for Life.

The group was asked to stand up if they or their friends or family members had ever been affected by cancer. Most of those attending the kickoff rose to their feet. Graham introduced a woman who has been cancer-free now for 10 years, which drew an applause.

Andy Reisinger provided a PowerPoint presenaton durng the recent Relay For Life kickoff party in Lehigh.

Reisinger said this is Lehigh’s way to help in the battle against cancer. The Relay for Life will be taking place at other sites throughout Lee County.

Reisinger said 100,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer over the nest 12 months.

Last year’s top fund-raiser, Debbie Harman was recognized as a team leader. her co-captain was Nancy Gruber.

On hand for the celebration was Tracy Demarest, community representative with the Lee Unit of the American Cancer Society.

“These people in Lehigh are ready to go. It’s wonderful to see such good support,” she said.