Kick-off Party on Thursday for Point Boro Relay For Life

If you're into music, games, food and fun, all for a good cause, come to the Relay for Life kick-off party on Thursday evening at

The party is a kick-off for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser event that runs from 3 p.m. May 5 until 6 a.m. May 6 at Community Park, Point Borough.

The party at Point Borough High School's cafeteria from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday is also a rally to officially begin the community's planning for the Relay For Life in May, said Event Chair Katrina Salvatoriello.

The party will include a speaker who is a cancer survivor, discussions to give Relay for Life participants ideas about fundraising, computer sign-ups and more.

While all are welcome to attend, the party is designed primarily for those who are interested in participating in the Relay for Life in May, so they can learn about the event, how to form or join teams and other details, while also having some fun.

The event is free but donations are welcome, Salvatoriello said.

"We will have expo tables set up with information and food and music will be provided," she added. "Interactive activities will take place before and after speeches. 

"The evening is designed to help community members find ways they can fight back against cancer through the Relay For Life in our town," Salvatoriello said.

Money raised during the Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in May will fight cancer by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back, according to the American Cancer Society.

The Relay For Life is an overnight community celebration where individuals and teams camp out, picnic, dance, play games and take turns circling around a track “relay” style to raise funds and fight cancer. 

The event opens as cancer survivors lead the way around the track and are honored with the Survivor Lap. 

As the sun begins to set, the warm glow of hundreds of luminaria light the field in an emotional, silent ceremony.

Each bag lit is in honor of a loved one who won the fight against cancer or in remembrance of a special someone who lost their battle.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents hope in that those lost to cancer will not be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and, that one day, cancer will be eliminated.

Started in 1985, Relay For Life began with one man who circled around a track for 24 hours raising $27,000. 

This year, Relay For Life has grown to more than 5,000 communities and over 25 countries worldwide.

was held in June at

For more information about the party or Relay for Life, email Katrina Salvatoriello, Event Chair, at RFLpoint@gmail.com or call Relay for Life staff member Bradley Bennett at 732-758-8220 ext.212.