Long County on Friday and Saturday will host its ninth Relay for Life, an overnight festival at Veterans Stadium in Ludowici that provides plenty of food and fun for the whole family, all to help find a cure for cancer.  Event organizers are bringing in extra star power this year to attract even more supporters and donations.
A special event at 7:30 p.m. Friday called the “Survivor” Celebrity Auction for Cancer Survivors will feature a variety of items from current and former contestants from the reality series “Survivor,” according to Gina Riddle, one of the organizers for the blind auction.
The contestants personally autographed the items to be auctioned off, which include photos, cards, books and T-shirts, she said, adding that the auction will help raise money for cancer research and support the Long County Relay for Life.
In addition to the auction, former contestant Lea “Sarge” Masters will be on hand from 7-9 p.m. Friday to sign autographs, take pictures and talk about his experiences, Riddle said.
Masters, a retired Army master sergeant, participated in “Survivor: Vanuatu,” the ninth season of the show, which premiered in 2004. Although he did not win the $1 million prize, he still lasted 26 days, which was good enough to make the show’s jury.
Masters also attended the Savannah Barber Institute, according to survivor.wikia.com, and has experience as an EMT, a master barber and a deputy sheriff in addition to his credentials in scuba diving, advanced mountaineering/rappelling and nuclear weapons.
“Survivor: Nicaragua” (Season 21/2010) contestant player Holly Hoffman also is supporting the Long County Relay for Life.
“We all are survivors in our own way, but when it comes to the Relay for Life, they are the true survivors,” she said. “It is a wonderful event that benefits so many by remembering those who have passed and by supporting those who are still fighting the battle. We must all be brave with our own lives so others can be brave with theirs.”
“Survivor: One World” (Season 24/2012) contestant Nina Acosta shared similar support for the cause.
“I am honored to support the Long County Relay for Life,” she said. “Cancer does not discriminate; it wreaks havoc on the lives of our children, our parents, our grandparents and our friends. Today we unite to help those facing this vicious disease, and for me, those are the true survivors.”
In addition to the auction, Christian group Canopy Red will perform at the event, the AirEvac rescue helicopter will conduct a flyover during the luminary ceremony and a thunder lap will take place as well.
The Relay for Life events will begin with an opening ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday. Cancer survivors, caregivers and teams will take the first lap at 7:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, other activities — including live music and tug of war — will be held throughout the night.
For more information on the Long County Relay for Life, go to relayforlife.org/longcountyga or call 912-312-1838.  
For more information on the “Survivor” Celebrity Auction for Cancer Survivors, call 432-2482.