It was a night set aside for motivation, laughter, tears, great food - and most importantly - fighting cancer. 

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, more than 80 members of Plainville and surrounding communities gathered at J. Timothy's Taverne to celebrate the kickoff for the 2009 Relay For Life of Plainville. 

Some of highlights of the night included the 2008 tri-chairwomen being presented with an All Star Banner, commemorating Plainville as one of nine Relays in New England named as an All Star Relay.

Speakers at the event included the 2008 tri-chairwomen Lori Gonzalez, Lynn Szach and Becky Tyrell; 2009 chairwomen Donna McCarty and Tammy Wyman; and American Cancer Society staff members Lynn Kipphut and Gus Burriesci.

Burriesci, of the Planned Giving Office for the American Cancer Society, stressed the importance of recruiting more members of the community during these tough financial times.

"Now more than ever we need you to make a difference," Burriesci said. "We need you to retain what you have done here and Plainville, and to obtain more people."

Plainville Resident Eric Wells - who lost his own mother to cancer - emceed the event and filled the room with energy and purpose, while other speakers served a different purpose.

The most emotional moment of the night happened when Elton "Skip" Burritt took the microphone. He told the story of he and his wife being diagnosed with cancer within three months of each other. They beat the cancer and were able to share their story at the 2007 Relay for Life on stage together. Only months after that moment of celebration, Skip's wife was diagnosed with cancer once again ... and in 2008 he had to take the stage as a widower.

After the tears from around the room were dried, a strong sense of purpose was in the air. You could start hearing whispers from veteran team captains about what new and unique fundraisers they were coming up with this year.  Those who were visiting a Relay event for the first time seemed to be blown away by the far reaching impact of just one deadly disease. 

The laughing and crying won't stop, but the kickoff event is now over and it's time to start gearing up for the Relay For Life event itself scheduled for June 13 and 14, 10 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Norton Park.

It's now time to start fundraising in order to reach this year's goal of $79,000. While last year's Relay raised $78,000, far surpassing its goal, committee members know that it may not be easy.

"Cancer is recession-proof. It doesn't take a day off. The American Cancer Society will be answering phones, providing rides, doing research, but without funds, none of it will be possible," McCarty said.

While Relay For Life of Plainville has had great success over the past few years, the committee urges that they cannot continue the momentum without even more members of the community getting involved.  

"Many people say ‘Oh, I'll do Relay For Life one day, that's a great cause' but we need you right now," Wyman said, after the event. "People, like my father, are dying every day because of this disease and we need to stop it. It's great to have this room full tonight, but we need more people. If you're reading this in the newspaper right now, we are talking about you. We need everyone's help to beat this disease.

"You don't need money in you wallet to help us raise money. You just have to be willing to be willing. We'll help you do the rest. All you need to do to get involved is to make one phone call or write one e-mail."

Upcoming Relay For Life of Plainville events include:

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 6 p.m., captains meeting at Plainville Public Library, 56 E. Main St. No RSVP is needed. All are welcome.

Friday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m., Survivors and Caregivers Social at Faith Bible Church, Route 177 and Northwest Drive. All cancer survivors and caregivers in Plainville and surrounding communities are encouraged to attend. There is no cost and food, drink, music and door prizes will be provided.

If you would like to join the Relay For Life of Plainville as a volunteer or team participant or are interested in attending one of these events, e-mail plainvillerelay@yahoo.com, or call Tammy Wyman (860) 747-6293 or Donna McCarty (860) 628-2604.

For more information and updates, visit the Plainville Relay Web site at www.relayforlife.org/plainvillect 

- Shaun Wyman, publicity chairwoman for Relay For Life of Plainville