By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Relay For Life of Chilton County is looking for teams to join this year’s event and the cause of raising funds to help fight cancer.

“Last year, we had 26 teams,” Carla D’Andre of the American Cancer Society said. “Our goal this year is 28.”

She said the organizers would also like to see an increase in the number of teams from areas in Chilton County outside of Clanton.

“We are doing a … competition between the schools to see if we can get a team from each of the schools,” D’Andre said.

The fundraising goal for Relay For Life of Chilton County this year is $100,000.

Teams can register online here.

D’Andre encourages teams to sign up now to ensure they would receive an event T-shirt.

The theme for this year is “Tailgating for a Cure.”

Each team is being asked to have a sports-themed game at their tent.

“That way as they go around they can play a game and get to know each other and just enjoy the day,” D’Andrea said.

Several teams have already started fundraising efforts ranging from luminaria services to bake sales.

A special fundraiser Test Drive for a Cure will be held by Baugh Ford on April 6.

“For every person that does a test drive, there will be a $25 donation to the American Cancer Society,” D’Andrea said.

Another team will host a fishing tournament that same day.

Relay For Life will be May 3 from 6-10 p.m. at the Clanton youth football field behind YMCA.

“We are doing a few different things this year,” D’Andre said. “This year, we are going to have a dj along with some other live entertainment.”

In addition to joining a team, there are a number of other ways to support the event, including being a committee member or sponsoring the event.

D’Andrea said the committee is still looking for someone to be the logistics chair.

For more information about forming a team, contact GeneAnn Jimmerson at (334) 235-1093 or D’Andrea at (254) 498-6780.

Funds raised through Relay For Life go toward research for finding a cure, patient programs and services, such as free wigs, head wraps, support groups, support hotline and the Hope Lodge in Birmingham which provides a place for the patient and a caregiver to stay for free during treatment.