• Purple gifts show off one of the Relay for Life's colors.Stuart Gill/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Relay for Life is an event run by the American Cancer Society that assists in raising money for cancer. While the actual relay only lasts for 24 hours, there are months of preparation and planning that go into each one. Those who participate in Relay for Life are challenged to raise money for the teams that they walk with. Planning a birthday party focused on Relay for Life can be a way to raise funds as well as promote cancer awareness.
  
  

Invitations

• Be sure the purpose of the party is clear on the invitations. If guests are expected to donate money instead of bringing a gift, let them know. Also include a brief blurb on Relay for Life as well as something that explains the type of party you're having. This gives guests who are unfamiliar with the charity a way to learn about it beforehand. It also explains the concept of a charity birthday party. While these events are growing in popularity, the concept may not be familiar to everyone.
  
  

Decorations

• Decorate the party space to reflect the colors of Relay for Life. You could go with a purple theme for the relay itself or a red-and-blue theme for the American Cancer Society. Hang Relay for Life logos on the walls. You could also incorporate the logo into table centerpieces or have it drawn on the birthday cake in icing. Another decorative option is to hang colored ribbons on the walls and on the chairs that represent the different types of cancers. Each cancer has a corresponding ribbon color, like the well-known pink for breast cancer.
  
  

Themes

• Have a theme to the Relay for Life fundraiser birthday party. This could take on a variety of options. If you know a number of people who like to golf, organize a charity birthday golf tournament. Hold an auction where all proceeds go to the charity. Use your creativity to come up with innovative twists on standard fundraising techniques.