Times Observer photo by Lorri Drumm Lilly Cathcart, 11, a student at Eisenhower Elementary School, was the first in line to donate her hair at the “Buzz off Cancer” tent at Friday’s Relay for Life event. Ashton Era, of Styles Unlimited, did the cutting. The event continues today until 3 p.m. at the Warren County School District Central Office.

Lilly Cathcart never donated her hair before. On Friday she was first in line to do her part to help “Buzz off Cancer” and help provide a free wig for another child in need.

“Buzz off Cancer” is just one of the many activities and events taking place during this years Relay for Life event being held on the grounds of the Warren County School District Central Office, 6820 Market St, Warren. The event kicked off Friday at 4 p.m. with hair donations. The opening ceremony took place at 6 p.m., with the event continuing throughout the night and concludes with a closing ceremony today at 3 p.m.

Relay for Life is a community event to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer. Proceeds from Relay for Life benefit the American Cancer Society.

Depending on how many donations pour in, the three co-leaders of the event may be sporting a new “do” for the summer months. They have each pledged to buzz off their hair if they reach their individual fundraising goals. Cathy Burnett is shooting for $500, Lynne Goodwill needs $750 and Melissa McLean set her sights at $1,000. The trio won’t know if they’ll meet the buzzer until the final numbers are tallied.

Buzz off Cancer continues today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Several area hair artists will donate their time and talent to give people the chance to donate their hair.

Those wishing to donate hair must have at least eight inches in length to be cut. Hair cannot be colored, highlighted or chemically processed.

Stylists at the Relay event will not have the equipment to style hair so after-cuts and styles should be arranged on another occasion after hair is donated. Monetary donations will be accepted but are not required.

The American Cancer Society provides wigs to patients free of charge, according to Sonya Irons, Bullock Family and Friends Relay team captain. “Locks of Love and also Wigs for kids provide wigs to children for free (or on a sliding fee schedule) for cancer, burns, alopecia and other hair loss causes,” Irons said.

A tentative schedule of today’s activities are as follows:

¯ 6 a.m. — Scavenger hunt

¯ 7 — Wake up to Wellness (yoga, reiki, herbalist)

¯ 8 — Pantyhose Bowling

¯ 9 — Hungry Hungry Hippos

¯ 10 — Hula Hoop Fitness

¯ 11 — Newspaper Fashion Show

¯ Noon — Survivor Lunch/Ceremony

¯ 1 p.m. — Alohomora Trivia

¯ 2 — Relay Store

¯ 2:30 — Enchanted Fairytale Troupe

¯ 3 — Closing Ceremony