The Ceres Relay for Life Committee expresses enthusiasm for the 2014 event, which has 24 members, and 22 team sign-ups totaling over 80 participants.

The Ceres Relay for Life, which raises funds for the American Cancer Society and cancer awareness, is set to take place the weekend of April 12-13 and has a goal of raising $35,000. The committee is targeting the return of 20 teams from prior years as well as registering 20 new teams.

"I am really excited and we have set some really good goals," said Angela Durossette, this year's chair for the Ceres Relay. "I pray that it is a huge success."

Over 50 people attended a kickoff event. A second registration night is set from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at Supermom's Frozen Yogurt in the Richland Shopping Center. Those interested in forming or joining a relay team or helping out with donations or volunteer time are invited to attend. All cancer survivors who register that night will receive a free "superkids" yogurt.

A team captains meeting is set for 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the Ceres High School cafeteria. Leaders are asked to wear fall colors to add an autumn feel to the event.

The committee is also asking Ceres residents to set aside March 22 for a Hoedown dinner, dance, and silent and live auctions. The location has not been determined but ticket prices have been set at $25 per person.

"We are working really hard to make this really good this year," said Durossette. "We are putting together some really great things to bring people from the community to the actual event."

Funds raised in Ceres will be used to support the myriads of services and research by the ACS. Besides the medical research, the ACS offers emotional support to cancer patients and families, and volunteers provide rides for patients to chemotherapy treatments.

Anyone interested in the Ceres Relay may call the American Cancer Society in Modesto at 544-9279.