With less than two weeks until the Covington County Relay for Life event, organizers say the group is about halfway to reaching its $113,000 fund-raising goal.

Ressie Gray, event coordinator, said to date, $52,000 has been raised.

“With the economy the way it is, we think that’s great,” Gray said. “Any amount we raise will help someone in need and that’s what Relay is all about.”

Gray said there is still a “good amount” of money waiting to be turned in at “Bank Night,” set for May 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Andalusia’s Regions Bank.

“Bank night is where team captains come and turn in what money they’ve raised up to this point,” she said. “But that’s not the end of the fund-raising. We usually get a pretty good show that night, but captains have until midnight on the night of Relay to turn in money.

“On the night of Relay, that usually puts us over the top for our goal,” she said. “If not, that’s OK. All the money raised goes towards helping someone and research. We’ve put a good effort into the whole event.”

The event — which is set for 6 p.m. Fri., May 8 at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds — will have 26 teams competing for the top fund-raising spot.

“This year, we’ve got 326 registered participants,” Gray said. “We are so excited. The night will kick off at 6 p.m. with the opening ceremony where we’ll recognize our survivors and watch them take their first lap. At 7 p.m., we’ll have special entertainment with the LBWCC Ensemble, Skylar Henley and Fresh Anointing. We don’t want to spoil all the surprises for that night, but I can tell you we’ve got great things that are going to be happening.”

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fund-raising activity. During the Relay, team members take turns walking around a track. Anyone who wants to attend the Relay can camp out, take part in activities and share the spirit of uniting in the war against cancer. Money raised from the event benefits valuable cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services.

Title sponsors for 2009 are Andalusia Regional Hospital, Covington Electric Cooperative, Darby’s Village Pharmacy and PowerSouth Energy Corporation.

Luminary bags and Torches of Hope may still be purchased by calling Gray at 334-427-3832.