Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer?The Newtown Bee. "There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with this years event - survivor, team captain, participant, or volunteer, to name just a few."tbroomer17@gmail.com, or at 203-491-2274, or Cancer Society Community Liaison Alyssa Amaturo at 203-563-1511.relayforlife.org/newtownct.

Do you enjoy giving back while making new friends at the same time?

Do you have great ideas and suggestions how to make the Relay For Life of Newtown one of the best events in town?

This year's Relay is happening several weeks earlier than past events, and will be held at a new but familiar location. The noncompetitive, nonsporting event to raise funds and awareness about cancer is set for Saturday, May 21, from 5 pm, to 5 am Sunday, May 22, at NYA Sports & Fitness Center, 4 Primrose Street.

The theme this year is "Games" with teams and volunteers adopting game-themed costumes, activities and tent sites. Opening ceremonies will begin at 5 pm.

So far, about two dozen teams have organized to participate in the 2016 event, but there is plenty room for more according to Co-Chair Tracy Broomer

Relay For Life events help communities across the globe fight back against cancer. Anyone interested in volunteering at the event or joining Newtown's Relay family is invited to contact Ms Broomer or Cancer Society Community Liaison Alyssa Amaturo.

"All are welcome, including students from the high school," Ms Broomer told

Local businesses are also being sought to partner with the cause as sponsors.

As a Relay For Life sponsor, local businesses can make a meaningful contribution in the fight to end cancer. By supporting the American Cancer Society and the local Relay For Life event, businesses and professionals send a message to employees and customers that they care about the well-being of the Newtown community.

"There are a variety of sponsorship levels to choose from, and with each level you receive valuable visibility and sponsor benefits," Ms Broomer said.

One of the upcoming special events being scheduled ahead of the Relay is a Spring Fling Vendor Fair, sponsored by the Fairfield County Home Based Business Group. The fair will be held in the lobby at NYA Sports & Fitness on Saturday, April 23, from 11 am to 3 pm.

Community members are invited to stop by, learn about Relay and help volunteers continue the fight against cancer. Other key dates leading up to the 2016 Newtown Relay include:

*April 20: Committee Meeting at 5:30 pm/Team Captain Meeting at 6:30 pm, at NYA;

*May 4: Team Captain Meeting, 6:30 pm at NYA;

*May 11: Committee Meeting, 5:30 pm at NYA; and

* May 18: Bank Night/T-shirt Night at Newtown Savings Bank main branch, 39 Main Street.

Anyone with questions may contact Co-Chair Tracy Broomer via email at

Get more information about the Relay For Life of Newtown online at

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