‘Paint the County Purple’ to kick off Relay For Life season

CHENANGO COUNTY – On Thursday, May 1 businesses, houses and people across Chenango County are invited to bedeck themselves in purple to kick off the 2014 Relay For Life season. “Paint the County Purple” (PTCP) started a few years ago in order to raise awareness of the cause and will energize the 32 teams that are currently registered for Relay For Life.

“We're going to decorate the county,” said Event Chair Marie DeSarro. “It's to raise awareness that Relay For Life is coming soon.”

This year Relay For Life of Chenango County's goal is to raise $150,000, said DeSarro. While this may seem like a great deal of money, she said, “We've gotten close or have gone over that amount for the last five years.”

The funds raised go to the American Cancer Society, which sponsors research and grants for the cure and treatment of cancer. The national Relay For Life website also explains that funds go to help patients with lodging, transportation and various support groups.

“No single nongovernmental, not-for-profit organization in the US has invested more to find the causes and cures of cancer,” states the Relay For Life website.

PTCP is a fun way to show support and pride for the cause. The Relay For Life teams are challenged to encourage as many individuals, families and organizations to decorate with or wear as much purple as they can. Relay For Life teams will provide businesses with various purple paraphernalia, such as cups, napkins, placements and balloons. The teams, as well as any individuals or organizations that want to participate in PTCP, should take a picture and submit it to relay.chenango@gmail.com.

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Pictures will be accepted until May 5. After the pictures are submitted a survey will be sent out to teams so they can vote on the best PTCP picture and determine who will win Relay points.

Voting ends of Friday, May 16 and Relay For Life of Chenango County will post the submitted pictures on its website and Facebook page. The Evening Sun will also provide a list of businesses that participate in PTCP.

This year's Relay for Life of Chenango County has a rock 'n roll theme and will be on Friday, July 18 and 19 at the Chenango County Fair Grounds. Each team will fundraise to gain Relay points leading up to the event. Fundraising and fun events will also take place during the event, which will begin with a Survivor Dinner at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 18.