Less than three months remain before the 2024 Relay For Life of Greater Stanislaus County – the event is scheduled for mid-May at Johansen High School in Modesto.

The formal kick off was hosted at the DoubleTree in Modesto on Thursday evening, Feb. 22 and members of the Event Leadership Team reported more than 50 people in attendance to get the event off and running.

Teams from Stanislaus and San Joaquin counites have been part of this event in the past; it is a large, combined Relay and this will be the fourth year of the larger effort. It has been staged the last three years in the fall at John Thurman Field in Modesto; however, this year it will return to Johansen High School and also returns to the spring, with the dates set for May 18 and 19.

Theme for the local event in 2024 is ‘A World With More Birthdays’ and it will be a 24-hour Relay.

“Our theme relates to the mission of the American Cancer Society in that, not only do we want to cure cancer through breakthrough research efforts, we want to extend the lives of all who have been touched by cancer. The various services that ACS provides is a big part of that,” said event chairperson Irene Cortez.

Numbers show the 2024 event is shaping up well, with over $13,800 raised to date and with more than 30 teams already signed up to participate. The 2023 Relay For Life raised a total of $168,000 and had 60 teams.

And Cortez noted that, even with the Relay For Life in May, the fundraising year for the American Cancer Society relay season runs through October. Goal for this year has been set at $175,000. The next meeting for anyone interested in getting involved is set for Thursday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree.

Teams put on a variety of fundraisers throughout the year to help meet the fundraising goal.

Upcoming events in March are scheduled to include:

Saturday, March 9 - Applebee’s breakfast at 8 a.m. on Sisk Road by Team Meet the Flockers

Saturday, March 9 - Paint For a Cure at 2 p.m. in Salida by Team Heart, Hope and Soul Sisters

Saturday, March 16 - Bingo in Tracy by Team MLB

Sunday, March 17 - Bingo in Lathrop by Team Lathrop

Saturday, March 23 - Spring Market Crafters and Vendor Fair, at the North Modesto Church of God, 1918 Sherwood Ave., Modesto, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.