The 2011 “Relay Season” will officially kick-off on Tuesday, Jan. 11, at 5:30 p.m. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Greene and Putnam counties will join together to “Roll out the Red Carpet” as they launch their fundraising efforts for the year at the Kickoff Celebration at Spotlight Theatres at Lake Oconee Village in Greensboro. “Relaywood,” the theme for the 2011 Relays in both counties, will officially be underway as event volunteers and participants come together for what will be a very special event.

Highlighting the celebration will be a “feature film” starring the volunteers and survivors from both county events, as well as speakers from the community who have benefitted from the funds raised at Relay. The special feature film will cover the entire history of Relay for Life of Greene and Putnam Counties and is meant to highlight everything that Relay is about — people coming together to encourage each other and support one another in the fight against a terrible disease. The film will showcase the specific events held within these two communities over the years and will be an inspiring presentation on the difference that Relay has made for over a decade here in Putnam and Greene counties.

Relay participants and community members are encouraged to submit their photos from their favorite Relay memories for inclusion in this special film and can do so by e-mailing them to greenerelay@gmail.com, tagging them on facebook at “Greene Relay” or “Putnam Relay” or by mailing a copy (be sure to write your name on the back if you want them returned) to American Cancer Society Attn: Greene/Putnam,1684 Barnett Shoals Rd., Athens, GA 30605. Deadline for all submissions will be Jan. 1.

In addition to the film, special activities for all cancer survivors and caregivers are planned to cap off what promises to be a fun-filled celebration. The event is also a chance for everyone to become educated on team registration for Relay and find out ways that they can volunteer and make a difference at one of these community-wide events held on April 29 at Putnam county Primary School and May 13 at Greene County High School.