Wood County Relay for Life marking 30 years with Kick-Off Party

PARKERSBURG -- The Relay for Life in Wood County will kick off the year and its 30th anniversary at the Relay 2024 Kick-off Party from 6-7:30 p.m. today at the Leavitt Family Center, 620 Avery St.

The evening will be an open house where residents and anyone interested in Relay and the American Cancer Society can obtain information, said Carmen Hathaway, a spokesman and senior development manager for the American Cancer Society in Wood County.

"If anyone doesn't know about the Relay for Life of Wood County or the American Cancer Society, this is a great place to find out more about what Relay for Life is and how to get involved," Hathaway said.

Participants can come at any time during the event, get a snack and speak with the planning committee volunteers about getting involved in the annual fundraising event. Participants will learn how the Relay impacts the nation and the community and how this is a "great way to 'pay-it-forward' in honor of someone you know who has battled cancer," Hathaway said.

The event is open to the public.

"It's kind of like a little party," she said.

While the Relay for Life in Wood County will celebrate 30 years, the national event started in 1985, Hathaway said.

The 2024 Relay will be held on July 13 at City Park in Parkersburg.

Jess Mancini can be reached at jmancini@newsandsentinel.com.