Relay for Life of Callaway County will have its kickoff meeting with a spaghetti lunch fundraiser on Jan. 24.
The group holds a meeting to kick off the fundraising season each year. This year, Relay Community Manager Joy Shawley said they wanted to invite the community to that kickoff and chose to add the spaghetti lunch fundraiser.
Shawley said she would like to see the group make $500 from the fundraiser and added that Relay's goal for this fundraising season is to raise a little more than $50,000 for the American Cancer Society.
"We want to eradicate cancer," Shawley said. "Unfortunately, everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. We want to get rid of it."
For the fundraiser, lunch will be from 12-1:30 p.m. at Fulton VFW, located at 2657 South Business 54. The meal will include spaghetti, green beans, bread and a drink. Adults cost $5, children ages 4-10 cost $4 and children 3 years old and younger are free. Dessert will also be available for purchase from Relay for Life teams.
Meal tickets can be purchased from Relay for Life teams in advance by Tuesday, Jan. 20. Meal tickets can also be purchased at the door. Shawley added that people interested in attending should let them know by Wednesday at the latest so they can purchase enough food. She encourages anyone interested in attending to let them know via phone or through the Relay for Life of Callaway County Facebook page. Linda Boshers with Relay can be contacted with questions at (573) 592-9320.
Shawley said she encourages anyone who attends the lunch and wants to learn more about Relay to stick around for the group's meeting at 1:30. They will discuss fundraising and have Fulton High School student Alyssa Hauck speak. Hauck will discuss her experience as a caregiver for her mom, who is a cancer survivor.
Relay will have a free brunch for cancer survivors in May and Shawley said the organization will honor survivors at its main event as well. The Relay for Life event will be Saturday, June 6 from noon until midnight at the Callaway Electric Cooperative.