Relay for Life looking fantastic as event nears

With a little more than two months before Relay for Life, teams are in fundraising mode.

“You guys are doing fantastic. Money is coming in,” Lynna Sago told the teams this week at the Relay For Life captain’s meeting at Mineral Area College.

The night of Relay, to be held July 24-25 at MAC, teams will be honored as the night progresses. The top 10 fundraising teams and the top individual fundraiser will be recognized with a sign to post in front of their tent once the majority of the money is turned in that night.

“Build on everyone on your team’s talents. Use every possible resource,” Cindi Thurman told the captains.

Teams were encouraged to fulfill their 5 Star Challenge for their chance at picking their campsite.

For one of the stars, teams should have a team member on the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ASC CAN). Membership is $10 and members help lobby in Jefferson City for laws to protect cancer patients.

“The program has developed the Smoking Cessation and Breast Health campaigns,” Stephanie Hadfield said.

“The State of Missouri has high cancer rates,” Hadfield explained. “The research goes on ads to educate the public.

“Last year 308 residents of St. Francois County were diagnosed with cancer. Of those, 149 were helped by the money raised for Relay For Life,” Hadfield said. “We would like to see all of them helped.”

Teams were given ‘Paint the Parkland Purple’ sheets.

Paint the Parkland Purple is a new event this year.

Teams are to ask businesses and individuals to “go purple” the week of Relay, July 20-24 to help kick off the event. Paint the Parkland Purple is a free event. Purple ribbons and proud supporter signs will be provided for those wishing to participate.

That is the bare minimum. Businesses and individuals are asked to paint windows, wear purple and be creative in their own way.

Anyone interested in donating their talent to help paint windows is encouraged to contact Dave Bahr at 573-760-5669.

Businesses may also show their support by selling suns and moons, placing a coin can at the register, donating a portion of their proceeds, or purchasing a business sign for $100.

Business signs are a great way to both help raise money and show support. Signs line the makeshift track the night of Relay and hundreds of people participating walk by them throughout the night. When the event is over, businesses may have their sign to display in their business throughout the year.

To purchase a sign, contact any Relay For Life team member of Lisa Johnson at 573-756-6417.

“With the 80s theme, I took 80s movies to make laps,” Tara Gann explained.

Teams are encouraged to participate in theme laps to earn “Relay Bucks,” which are redeemed for the Energizer Award at the end of the night. Each person to take part in the lap receives a Relay Buck.

“I will also be giving the most creative person in each lap extra Relay Bucks,” she said. “We will also have someone teach the “Thriller” dance to earn extra bucks.”

A list of the laps and estimated start times are available at www.dailyjournalonline.com

“Do not sleep. No open flame, gas grills are OK,” Sago said. “Expect no rain, but come prepared for the weather.

“Generators are allowed and encouraged for power,” she said. “But ‘hush angels’ will make their way around the track when we need quiet time.”

Quiet times are needed for various ceremonies throughout the night.

It isn’t too late to sign up a team or recruit new members. Visit www.relayforlife.org/stfrancoiscomo for more information.

The next captains meeting will be at 6 p.m. June 26 at MAC’s North College Center. Teams should try to complete the following before the next meeting: Fill your team and register new team members; raise $100 per person on your team; check out the Web site; check the Five Star Challenge List and pick a few things to accomplish; finalize your 80s theme; find a Benefit Night Sponsor; and find businesses to support Paint the Parkland Purple.

Jessica Crepps is a staff writer for the Daily Journal. You may reach her at 573-431-2010 ext. 143 or jcrepps@dailyjournalonline.com. Relay For Life events may also be faxed to 573-431-2908.