By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Relay for Life in St. John the Baptist Parish may not be until March 31, but at least one team is getting a head start on raising funds to fight cancer.

Team Snippers, which got its name because it originated at LaPlace salon Hair Headquarters, will hold a fundraiser called “Painting in Pink” Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. at Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet School.

According to team captain Darcell Anderson, the event is loosely based on the popular Corks and Canvas events in which mostly amateur painters attempt to recreate popular scenes or paintings while sipping wine. But since this event is being held at a public school, a drug and alcohol free zone, there will be canvases but no corks.

Still, the event is a chance for members of the local community to spend some time together trying out a new activity. For a $40 donation, attendees will receive all the necessary supplies to create an artistic masterpiece as well as light appetizer type refreshments. Children can participate for $10. Attendees are responsible for bringing their own non-alcoholic drinks.

Anderson said she recruited artist Kim Hooper to lead the event. Anderson is somewhat new to Relay for Life, having participated last year for the first time.

“My mother is a cancer survivor. Last year I participated with my mom in the walk,” said Anderson, who is employed at Marathon’s Garyville refinery.

“I just wanted to form my own team,” she said.

And when it came time to recruit people to help form a team, Anderson found a willing group in her friends at Hair Headquarters.

“One of my girlfriends in the shop, her mother ended up getting cancer,” said Anderson.

When it came time to name the team, the salon provided further inspiration. Anderson said they chose the name “Snippers” because the team is dedicated to “cutting away cancer, one snip at a time.”

To register for the Painting in Pink event, call 504-782-1827.

St. John Relay for Life will be held Saturday, March 31, from noon to midnight at Highway 51 Park in LaPlace.