The Relay for Life Kick-Off Rally of Karnes County was held on February 26 at the Kenedy City Hall Auditorium.

Gretchen Dupnik, 2008 Relay Chair, welcomed all attendees and introduced the 2008 Relay Committee: Survivorship – Phillis Ender, Publicity/Marketing – Darlene Puente, Luminarias – Elizabeth Pumpkin Culpepper, Team Recruitment – Donna Kelley/Sandy Trevino, Online – Vi Malone/Cliff Baker, Treasurer – Donna Sekula, Activities – Sharon Bednorz and our American Cancer Society Staff Partner – Kayla Reese.

Guest Speaker Rebecca Byerly, 2008 Hero of Hope representing the South Texas Region of the American Cancer Society was introduced. Byerly is a breast cancer survivor and told an inspirational story to the group.

Recognition of Survivors was announced by Phillis Ender. Survivors present were presented a purple tulip. A luminaria ceremony was conducted to honor those who lost their battles with cancer. Donna Kelley and Sandy Trevino discussed team recruitment and the following teams were signed up: The GEO Group, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Bonnie’s Colours and Cuts.

Vi Malone and Cliff Baker announced our newest Relay for Life resource – Relay Online. Please visit http://events/cancer.or/rflkarnescotx for news on your Relay for Life Karnes County.

The meeting was concluded and Gretchen Dupnik thanked everyone for their attendance. A Team Captain University will be held on Saturday, March 8, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The event was attended by approximately 30 people, which included the 2008 Diamond Sponsor Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, represented by Kathy Oehlke. Light refreshments were served.

This year’s Relay for Life will be held May 16 – 17 at the Kenedy High School Stadium. Opening ceremonies will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday and closing ceremonies will be at 7 a.m. on Saturday. This year’s Relay theme is: Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back. For more information contact Gretchen Dupnik at 583-9616.