The Effingham Relay for Life will take place from 7 p.m.-7 a.m., April 3-4, at Effingham County High School.  

This year's theme is “Relay in Your PJ's 'Cause Cancer Never Sleeps”, and the goal is to raise over $70,000 for the American Cancer Society at the world's largest pajama party. Everyone is invited to participate in this event that will attempt to put Effingham County in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest pajama party.  

At least 1,700 people wearing sleepwear are needed to gather at 8 p.m. on Friday night on the track for photo proof of this attempt, which will be submitted to the Guinness people for consideration. The old record is 1,625 people in Britain. You can wear your sleepwear over your regular clothes for the photos, and then enjoy the rest of the night's activities in your normal wear.

More than 28 teams have been raising funds over the past several months, and this annual event is the culmination of everyone's efforts.  A full night of entertainment and activities have been planned, including the traditional lighting of the luminaries, memorializing cancer victims and honoring cancer survivors and their caregivers.

This very solemn and moving ceremony will take place at 9 p.m., and then the track will be filled with walkers throughout the night. Teams will have tent sites set up with lots of things to do, buy and eat, all for the purpose of raising funds to combat cancer.

Relay for Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society. It is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remember loved ones, commit to fight back through healthy lifestyle changes, and raise money for the fight against cancer.

“Relay for Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser,” said Victoria Ten Broeck, community manager, for the American Cancer Society. “Individuals who are willing to give their time and energy to this exciting event, as a volunteer or participant, have made a commitment to fight back against this disease and let the community know that you can beat cancer.”

To learn more about Relay for Life, visit www.RelayForLife.org/effinghamga