MURFREESBORO – What a way to end…what a way to begin.

Thursday evening at Metal Tech of Murfreesboro, Hertford-Gates Relay for Life bid farewell to a successful 2009 effort and set its sights on 2010.

Relay officials hosted their annual “close-out” party as the books were formally closed on the 2009 event – one that saw nearly $230,000 generated in the fight to eradicate cancer.

“Even though we didn’t reach our 2009 goal, we were tickled to death to raise almost $230,000 for the American Cancer Society,” said Bonnie Langdale, Co-Chair of the Hertford-Gates Relay for Life committee. “The economy is tough all over, so for us to raise that kind of money in little old Hertford and Gates counties is something to shout about.”

Now with 2009 officially behind them, local Relay for Life officials have launched plans for 2010. Langdale said next year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

“This will mark our 10th year of hosting the Relay,” Langdale noted. “We want to make a big deal out of that fact.”

Judging from the number of teams signing-up on Thursday for the 2010 Relay, Langdale’s remark of “bigger and better” is right on target. She said 45 teams are already on the books for next year’s Relay.

“That’s unheard of…we’ve never had that many teams sign-up this early,” Langdale said. “This is fantastic.”

Another key element is the fact that many of the 45 teams are new to Relay.

“That’s a sign of growth,” Langdale remarked. “We want to see growth each and every year and the only way to do that is attract new teams.”

Anyone wanting to be a part of Relay for Life can attend the next meeting, scheduled for 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29 at Metal Tech, or contact Langdale (332-5547 or 332-3640) or Co-Chair Rochelle Harrell (209-0292 or 356-3765).

The 2010 Hertford-Gates Relay for Life is scheduled for April 23-24 at Chowan University in Murfreesboro. Opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m. on April 23 and the event will run non-stop until 1 p.m. the following day.