By Catherine Wilde
Staff Writer
Published March 19, 2008

An overnight relay event for the American Cancer Society will be held at Stone Point Park in Old Tappan for the first time this year.

Participants in the Relay For Life will walk from 5 p.m. June 13 to 7 a.m. June 14 to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer.

Those interested in signing up for the event with a team may do so at a kick-off event March 26 at 7 p.m. at the Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan.

"It will be a festive event. We are hoping to recruit people to sign up their teams," Relay For Life co-Chairwoman Cathy Aanonsen said.

She said that for the past four years the relay was held at Westwood High School, but since support had dwindled over the years, the organizers decided to change venues.

In 2006 the relay raised $130,000, due largely to the support of a team from Old Tappan, said Aanonsen. In 2007, $80,000 was raised and Aanonsen hopes the new location will garner a larger turnout.

Those who want to waive the $10 registration fee may sign up at the March 26 event, which, according to Aanonsen, will give people "an idea of what Relay is all about."

Speakers will share their experiences of the relay and a video will be shown detailing the evening’s events. Those events begin June 13 at 5 p.m. with entertainment and activities. A "survivor ceremony" will be held at 6:30 p.m. as well as a candle lighting/luminaria ceremony at 10 p.m.

Aanonsen said luminary bags can be purchased for $10 each and inscribed with the name of someone who has died from or is battling cancer. The bags are then used to light the way for the walkers throughout the night, she said, calling it "very special."

For more information, visit www.events.cancer.org/rfloldtappannj.