By Jana Copeland

Leader staff

The Howard County Relay for Life teams got off to a great start at their first meeting on Feb. 12.

At this meeting, there were five teams signed up and 15 participants. The goal for teams in 2013 has been set for 15 returning teams and 10 new teams, as well as registering 100 survivors.

The financial goal for Relay for Life this year is $50,000. Organizers have also set goals for Sponsorship at $5,000 and $800 for the Luminaria Ceremony.

If any businesses or individuals would like to become sponsors, it would be greatly appreciated, according to volunteer Joanna Howard.

Those wanting to participate should get in touch with a Relay for Life team member, and it will count toward their team fund-raising goal.

Four committee chairs have been filled, including the following:

• Sponsorship: Ruth Steely
• Team Development: Linda Chambers
• Mission Delivery: Mike Chambers
• Luminaria: Joanna Howard

There are committee chairs still open that need to be filled as soon as possible, including:

• Event Chair and Co-Chair
• Logistics
• Survivor
• On-Line and Accounting

Relay volunteers have set their next meeting for Tuesday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. at Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas (CCCUA) in room 108.

The Relay for Life event has been set for Friday, June 7, at the Nashville City Park from 6 p.m. until midnight.

For more information, contact Linda Chambers at 870-557-7762 or rflwildthangs@gmail.com.

In the past 11 years (2002-2012) of the Howard County Relay for Life, there have been increases and decreases in the amount of money given, based on the condition of the nation’s economy.