Letter to the editor: Relay for Life kicks off in coming weeks.

On Monday, Sept. 30, Relay for Life at the University of Mary Washington is hosting a miniature event in the Great Hall from 6 to 8p.m. to kick off their fundraising efforts for the 2014 Relay for Life in April.

If you have never heard of Relay for Life, Monday will be an excellent opportunity for you to find out what it’s all about.

The event is the American Cancer Society’s largest fundraiser, and each year over four million people in more than 20 countries gather to fight back against a disease that has taken too much from too many.

This will be UMW’s fifth year Relaying, and, if you ask any past participant, it is definitely something you will want to get involved in. Besides showing your support by walking the track all night with your friends, Relay for Life events are planned with non-stop hour by hour entertainment.

They are stirring, emotional, heartwarming and endlessly fun and Monday night’s Mini-Relay will showcase just what is in store this Relay season.

As you enter the Great Hall, perhaps after getting a sandwich from the Nest, you will be greeted by friendly faces at the registration tables, where you can sign up at a discounted price.

The Mini-Relay is the last day that interested participants can register for 50 percent off, cutting the usual $10 donation down to $5, a $5 that will go directly to the American Cancer Society to help save lives.

From there, you can stop by the entertainment table and join in on a scavenger hunt.

Prizes will be awarded for the winners, and in the process of trying to beat out your friends in a little healthy competition, you can learn all about the different aspects of Relay for Life and meet the people who will be working behind the scenes all year long to host exciting fundraising events for the Mary Washington community.

The Mini-Relay will also feature free Vocelli’s pizza, several interactive activities, a mock campsite and some great Relay giveaways. Bring your friends and get involved with this great cause right here on campus. You will not regret it.

Catie LeBouton is a junior at UMW