David W. Smith/Daily NewsJacey Marcum, 6, of Bowling Green is the honorary co-chair for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Jacey participates in the kickoff ceremony Thursday while holding a candle at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Amid a carnival atmosphere, Warren County Relay for Life held its 2008 kickoff celebration Thursday night at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Teams nationwide participate in the relay, the largest fundraising event for the American Cancer Society, raising millions of dollars for cancer research.

The theme for this year’s Warren County relay, “The Greatest Cure on Earth,” represents the hope that participants have to help raise money for a cure.

Thursday’s kickoff saw people in a festive mood, with local coordinators in clown makeup, brightly colored wigs and other circus garb and lots of cotton candy, popcorn and games for kids.

Warren County Relay Chair Staci Simpson said the goal for this year is to raise $285,000, with organizers looking for an increase on last year’s total donations of about $255,000.

“We are stepping up and I’m sure we’ll be able to do it,” Simpson said.

Prior to last night’s kickoff, 32 teams had registered for this year’s relay event, which will be June 6-7 at Bowling Green High School.

Organizers have set a goal of 100 teams to register this year, up from about 75 last year.

Enthusiasm was not in short supply at the kickoff, but it was also a time to remember the serious nature of what the participants hope to do.

Virtually everyone at the event has been personally affected by cancer, either knowing someone with the disease or being survivors themselves.

Six-year old Jacey Marcum, who has an inoperable brain tumor, was named the honorary co-chair for this year’s relay.

As of now, the tumor has stabilized and Jacey Marcum has been off chemotherapy for a year.

Marcum, a kindergarten student at Plano Elementary School, wore a tiara during the kickoff and sang “Jesus Loves Me” after her mother, Alicia Marcum, shared Jacey’s story of survival at the kickoff.

“I’ve never met another child as happy as her,” said Alicia Marcum, who lost a stepfather to leukemia last February. “Her attitude has helped us through this time.”

The Marcums received a surprise donation of $500 from businessman Tony Scott to help pay for medical expenses.

“I challenge everyone (to give) when those teams come knocking on your door asking for a donation,” Scott said. “What’s five or $10? It’s for a good cause.”

Houchens Industries also presented a donation of $17,768.76 to the American Cancer Society.

Relay Luminaria Chair Kim Lindgren led a luminaria ceremony in which everyone held a candle to honor those battling cancer and remember those who died from the disease.

“We want to remember those who we’ve lost,’” said Relay Co-Chair Kathy Bridgeman. “But they’re not lost in vain because we’re going to fight back for them and we’re going to kick butt.”