Relay For Life 2011 was officially kicked off Thursday night at LeCroy Career/Tech Center.

The kick-off included various parts, from a somber luminary program to a lively auction over Alabama and Auburn collectible umbrellas.

During the luminary program to honor or remember loved ones with cancer, Relay Committee chairwoman Ann Glasscock read a poem and Voices of Hope choir sang.

Earlier in the night, Donna Nelson talked about how cancer has affected her family and why she participates in Relay.

Two-time cancer survivor Linda Hand led part of the program that recognized cancer survivors in attendance.

Corporate sponsors for this year’s Relay were also announced: McKinnon Toyota will be this year’s title sponsor. Other sponsors already committed are Martin Funeral Home, People Southern Bank, Peachtree Bank, American Legion, Wadsworth Oil and Chandler Drugs.

A silent auction was held to raise money for the American Cancer Society, and Tommy Glasscock auctioned the two collectible umbrellas donated by MorLyn’s Fine Jewelry. Jerry Grooms went home with the Alabama umbrella, while Chuck Calloway captured the Auburn one. The two men bid $105 apiece for the umbrellas.

Fundraising and team goals for this year’s Relay, which will be held the last Friday in April (the 29th), were also announced.

The total fundraising goal for this year is $199,615. Organizers want to have 52 teams participate and have 140 cancer survivors be part of this year’s Relay.

Several churches, groups, schools, families and businesses have already organized teams for this year. Registration can be done online at relayforlife.org/chilton.

2011 Relay for Life committee members are Ann Glasscock, Aimee Eiland, Jill Mitchell, Jerry Grooms, Robert Griffin, Alesha Foshee, Amy Jolley, Jeannie Smith, Linda Hand, Sue Mims and Cory Best.

To register your team online, visit relayforlife.org/chilton.

For more information, contact Ann Glasscock at 389-1577 or 755-4340, Kristin Franklin at 205-930-8866 or Jerry Grooms at 755-6795.