NORWICH – Relay For Life of Chenango officially unveiled its event goal for 2011 – $155,000 – and introduced this year’s theme as “Circus: Relay For Life ... The Greatest Cause on Earth,” as the local chapter of the American Cancer Society fundraiser prepares to celebrate its 15th year in Chenango County.

“We’re encouraging teams to have some fun and decorate their campsite with a circus theme,” said event chair Marie DeSarro. “We’ve been trying to stress education with the teams as well, so we’re asking that they have some sort of take on the past 15 years. What has happened over those years with the money our event has helped raise? What advances in cancer research, studies and findings have been accomplished?”

DeSarro said those in attendance at Tuesday night’s kickoff seemed genuinely excited for this year’s event, and some were already requesting information for fundraisers they’re planning to hold. It’s a testament to the community’s dedication to Relay For Life, she added.

“It’s really cool to see teams growing and we had one woman, a second year captain, who said she was excited to start trying new things this year,” said DeSarro. “It’s funny how teams learn from year to year what works best and how to raise the most money. Everyone is so creative in how they raise funds, which they have to be with such a small area to pull from.”