The Freeborn County Relay for Life will officially kick off Monday, when team captains and others interested in being a part of the event are encouraged to come to the Fairlane Building at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds to gather their packets and luminary bags for this year’s relay.

Kim Nelson, with the Freeborn County Relay for Life Committee, said the kickoff begins at 6:30 p.m. It is organized like an open house where people can come and go once they get their materials.

The committee will be in attendance to answer questions, and a card with other important dates will be given out. There will be refreshments as well, she said.

Nelson said last year, there were 63 teams that participated in the relay, and the goal this year is to reach 70.

May 17: Relay for Life kickoff, 6:30 p.m., Fairlane Building

June 14: Team meeting, 6:30 p.m., Fairlane Building

July 12: Registration night, 6:30 p.m., Fairlane Building

July 26: Root beer social for survivors, 6:30 p.m., Fairlane Building

Aug. 9: Bank night, 6:30 p.m., Fairlane Building

Aug. 13-14: Relay for Life, opening ceremonies start at 6 p.m. at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds

Teams raise a majority of the money for the event each year through various fundraisers and donations.

Fundraisers in the past have included selling bracelets, wine tastings, lunches, silent auctions and car washes, to name a few. Fundraisers are typically done before the actual night of the relay — which this year is Aug. 13.

All money raised goes to support cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

Last year, Freeborn County residents raised about $130,000.

Look to later Tribune articles for stories about this year’s honorees.