The Relay for Life of Washington Parish, the local participation in the American Cancer Society’s premiere annual event, will take place at Cassidy Park starting at noon on Friday, April 19.

Already, the 221 participating members of 22 Relay teams, representing businesses, family groups and individuals throughout the parish, have raised $16,998 for the fight against cancer.

While that total is certain to increase on Relay day, there’s no reason to wait to support the cause. And doing so could be personally enhancing or entertaining.

Team Vital Link is offering tickets for nearly two dozen raffle items that cover a wide range of opportunity. The prizes include plantation, swamp and battle ship tours; steamboat rides; entry to museums, the zoo, aquarium or butterfly garden and insectarium; entry to ball games; gift cards for restaurants; and items such as a Coach handbag, a Vera Bradley tote bag, visor and backpack, a Congo Square poster and a custom-made blanket.

The tickets cost $2 each or $5 for three, and all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

They can be purchased at Vital Link, A Home Care Company, at 219 S. Border Drive in Bogalusa or by calling Team Captain Linda Looney at 373-6118.