GULF SHORES, Ala. — Relay for Life teams from Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and surrounding areas are getting organized for their 2009 fundraising campaign. Representatives from eight teams and several committee members were on hand Jan. 20, for the first team captain meeting of the new year.

At the meeting, organizers shared information on how to get organized and team captains discussed some of their planned events.

Because the local area and the country are mired in the current economic state, event chairman Jeanne Fitzgibbons acknowledged that proceeds raised by the teams will be more crucial than ever.

Last year, 25 teams from across the Gulf Coast participated in the local Relay and raised $120,000.

Fitzgibbons said the planning committee is hoping to at least match that number in 2009.

“With the help of dedicated companies, organizations, churches and others, that goal can be obtained,” she said.

To learn more about how your company, church, club, organization, family, association, etc. can help, contact Fitzgibbons at 981-1524 or jfitz@cityoforangebeach.com.