Just because the Westchase Relay for Life is still more than two months away doesn’t mean participants aren’t already hard at work raising money to beat cancer.

In fact, the event’s 49 teams and 345 participants have already raised nearly $13,000, according to the Relay for Life website.

They’re not stopping at that figure though.

Relay teams have a number of upcoming fundraisers that will ultimately benefit the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. According to the Westchase Relay’s Facebook page, these fundraisers are on tap for March:

• McDivot’s fundraisers – Eat at the Westchase restaurnt on the second and fourth Thursday of each month and let the server know you’d like to support the Relay. Do that and 10 percent of your bill will go to the American Cancer Society.
• Chili’s night – Stop by Chili’s, 8402 Citrus Park Drive, on March 18 between 5 and 9 p.m. for a bite to eat to have 10 percent of your tab go to the Relay. Make sure to pick up a flier in the parking lot that night to give to your server.
• Easter Egg Hunt – The annual event is set for March 24 at West Park Village from 1 to 4 p.m. Participants are asked to bring their own baskets to collect eggs. A $10 donation to the American Cancer Society is suggested. In addition to the egg hunt, this event includes a visit from the Easter Bunny, face painting, crafts, games and more.

Last year, the Westchase Relay raised $95,000, the Facebook page states.

The 2013 Relay takes place May 10 at Davidsen Middle School, 10501 Montague St. It starts at 6 p.m. and runs through the night.

Is your Relay team planning a fundraising event? Be sure to let everyone know by adding it to the Westcahse Patch calendar.