Relay for Life teams and those looking to start a team kicked off their official fundraising Thursday night with a chili cook-off.

“Tonight set the tone for the entire event,” said Co-Event Chair Cherise Costley. “I feel like the more people we can get in this phase, and over the next couple of months, we can build the momentum. “Relay For Life is a community-based fundraising event for the American Cancer Society and many other cancer-related institutions, societies and associations.

The evening featured six team’s chili recipes that raised $132. All the proceeds raised from the kickoff raised went toward Karen Smith, who won the cook-off and will use the money for her team’s fundraising goal.

“We were super excited about the turnout, and this is our first time ever doing a chili cook-off,” Costley said. “We really do think that by that doing the cook-off and advertising on social media has really helped bring in a lot of people that we normally don’t.”

Just like last year, Troup County Relay for Life’s goal is to raise $100,000. More than 30 relay team members attended the meeting to learn about the goal, important dates and the theme.

“This year’s theme will be ‘Cruisin’ for a Cure,’” Costley said. “Last year, we did great. We raised a lot of money. Our goal was $100,000, but we only raised about $70,000. We really want to reach the goal this year and feel like we will.”

Each team is encouraged to have 15 members that each raise $100 a person, $1,500 total.

“We have a lot of great instruments that are for fundraising and opportunities that can get this ball rolling,” Costley said.

During the meeting, Costley also read a testimonial from one of her friends who recently announced that their husband could ring the cancer-free bell.

“This is what it’s about,” Costley said. “It’s about the survivors and helping find a cure.”

Co-Chair Lynn Howard said passion to help fight cancer is why they keep attending, helping and doing Relay for Life.

According to the American Cancer Society’s website, 73 cents of every dollar goes directly to research, prevention, detection, education and patient support.

Relay for Life in Troup County will be April 17 at the Chris Joseph Track in LaGrange.

For more information, email Howard at lhoward@troupco.org or call (770) 362-2252. To make or join a Relay for Life team, visit RelayForLife.org and search Troup County.