The American Cancer Society has become "the official sponsor of birthdays," and organizers of the north Snohomish County Relay for Life fundraiser are incorporating the birthday theme into the kickoff event for the summer fundraiser.

Relay for Life is the largest non-profit fundraiser in the world, and local residents are excited about being part of the success. To launch the Snohomish County efforts, a Hawaiian-theme birthday party is planned for January 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pacific Rim Supper Club, located at 3228 Marine Drive in Marysville, at the Best Western Tulalip Inn. Attendees are encouraged to dig out their tropical shirts and get ready to limbo as they find out more about the annual event.

"Relay for Life is about inspiring hope, celebrating survivors, remembering those we lost, and finding a cure for cancer," said Dawn Martin, co-chair of the north Snohomish County event. "This kickoff is to reinforce the fact that a community can make a difference in the fight against cancer."

Relay for Life is a fun family event in which teams walk, run or stroll in shifts for 24 hours. When not taking their turn on the track, participants can enjoy a variety of food and entertainment activities.

An especially moving part of the event is the Luminaria ceremony, in which candles inside special bags are lit in honor those surviving or battling cancer, or in memory of those who have lost the fight.

The annual Relay for Life of North Snohomish County will be held June 12-13 at Asbery Field in downtown Marysville. For more information, call Jennifer Holocker at (425) 322-1113 or visit www.cancer.org.

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