The Creston chapter of Relay for Life will have a new face at the helm as Chantel Klejch steps aside as chairperson.
Klejch joined Relay for Life seven years ago when the bank where she works organized a team. She has been on the committee and worked as chair for the past five years, but thinks it’s time to bring in someone new who might be able to offer some fresh ideas.
“I still want to be a part of the committee, but it’s just time to get a different point of view,” Klejch said.
“We do not have a new chair appointed at this time and I am hoping Megan [Hower] and Chantel can give me a few ideas from current committee members or someone in the community that they feel would be a good fit as Relay chair,” said Senior Community Manager Kim Durst. “My hope is to have someone by the February meeting.
“We are looking for someone who is organized, able to guide the committee in the planning for the Relay for Life and, most importantly, has a passion to fight back against cancer,” Durst said.
Relay for Life is a time commitment, Klejch said, especially around March and April when the American Cancer Society starts finalizing plans and setting up for the relay, which usually happens around mid-June.
“The great thing is I have some incredible resources to share with the new chair that will assist and guide them in leading the committee,” Durst said. “I will work very closely with the new Relay lead to make it not so overwhelming in a world that already has people pulled in so many different directions.
“From the information I have, the Creston Relay committee is a great group of people that work well together, which will be an incredible strength for a new event chair.”
“I’ve had a great time being head chair, and I’ve always loved Relay for Life,” Klejch said. “That’s why I want to stay a part of it, but it’s just a time for new, different ideas and a different point of view for Relay for Life.
“It seems like more and more people are affected by cancer every year, so more than likely someone has been touched by it,” Klejch said. “That’s kind of the reason why I do it.”