The 2013 Brentwood Relay For Life is set for June 1-2, and organizers are planning for their best year yet.

This year’s Relay will be Brentwood’s ninth community fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Last year, 740 members of the Brentwood community comprising 70 teams raised more than $170,000 for the fight against cancer, bringing their grand total to more than $2 million since Relay first came to Brentwood in 2005. The event also paid tribute to 201 cancer survivors who came to celebrate their triumph with the community.

“Last year was a very exciting year for us, but this year we’re raising the bar again,” said Team Captain Coordinator Wanda Zimmerman at last month’s kickoff meeting. “This year we want to raise $200,000. We’d like to have 90 teams and register 225 cancer survivors. The more teams we have, the more money we can raise. This year we’re in it to win it.”

Fundraising for the 2013 Relay is open through December. Traditionally, fundraising closes in August, so Relay organizers hope teams take advantage of the extra fundraising period this year to take Brentwood Relay to the next level.

“This year’s theme is In It To Win It,” said Event Chair Ron Yarolimek. “The fight against cancer is a fight we can win if we all work together. We’re challenging our teams to be more involved this year and get the entire community excited about Relay. Cancer has touched all of us in some way and we need to take a stand and let cancer know it’s not going to win.”

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s national effort to raise money for cancer research. According to the organization’s website, 44 ACS-sponsored researchers have gone on to win the Nobel Prize for scientific achievement. Relay participants form teams that over a 24-hour period keep one member on the track – a symbol that cancer never sleeps. Throughout the event, teams host fundraisers and activities to keep the festivities lively and the energy high.

The event pays tribute to cancer survivors in the opening lap, where survivors walk the track at Liberty High School with their caregivers while other Relay participants line the track to cheer them on. In the Luminaria segment, held at dusk, Relayers pay tribute to those who have lost their battle against cancer. The track is lined with illuminated bags decorated in memory of loved ones who have passed on. By sunrise, Relayers are ready to pledge to continue the fight against cancer all year long and keep the spirit of Relay alive and inspire others.

Fundraising is central to the Relay effort, and several special fundraising events are already scheduled. Most notably, tickets are now available for the Brentwood Relay Trivia Night, slated for Saturday, April 6 at the Brentwood Community Center. Teams of 10 put their useless knowledge and fun facts to use in a 10-round trivia battle. Tickets ($20 per person) may be purchased at Gursky Ranch, 1921 Apricot Way in Brentwood, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Those interested in participating in Relay are encouraged to attend the Team Captain’s meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Liberty High School Library, 850 Second St.

For more information about Brentwood Relay For Life, visit www.relayforlife.org/brentwoodca, call Yarolimek at 925-550-1182 or e-mail rflbrentwood@gmail.com.