EPHRATA — On Tuesday, Time Out Pizza in Ephrata will host a free kickoff for the American Cancer Society's Columbia Basin Relay for Life.

The kickoff will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Time Out Pizza, located at 1095 Basin St. SW.

All are welcome to learn how to help the American Cancer Society continue to save lives.

According to information provided by Relay for Life, the kickoff will show how money that's been raised has helped honor cancer survivors and caregivers, as well as their community.

The kickoff is also an opportunity for teams to register for the Relay for Life event, to be held at Ephrata High School's track on June 18.

According to Relay for Life, the event "unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all...events are community gatherings where teams and individuals camp out at a school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Teams participate in fundraising in the months leading up to the event."

Event Lead Susy Anderson said registration is free, but shirts are given to those who donate a minimum of $100.

Anderson said the fundraising goal for this year's Relay for Life is $50,000, a goal that was met last year.

Since 2004, the Columbia Basin Relay for Life has raised more than $856,000 for the American Cancer Society.

"This is our community's opportunity to help save lives from cancer by taking our message to more people and raising more dollars to fund the fight. Together, our efforts can make a big difference,” Anderson said.

According to the press release, the American Cancer Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization whose efforts have contributed to a 22 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991 and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates.

If you'd like to donate, but are unable to attend the kickoff or participate in the event, please contact Susy Anderson at 509-398-1812.