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Relay for Life in Luverne

By Lori Ehde
Rock County's first ever Relay for Life isn;t until June 15, but now is the time for interested teams and corporate sponsors to commit to the cause.

The Relay for Life kickoff meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, in Grace Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.

"We're hoping to get a lot of people to come," said co-chair Vicki Baartman. "If people are interested, we don't want to scare them away from this meeting. Just by coming, we’re not going to sign them up."

The kickoff meeting will involve corporate sponsors, team captains and co-chairs to discuss the purpose and goals for the event.

Don and Betty Cashin, two local cancer survivors, have been named honorary co-chairs for the event.

The American Cancer Society suggests 15 for a first-time Relay for Life, but Baartman said local organizers hope to have 25 teams.

Cindy Arends, who is chairing corporate sponsors for the event, has already met with positive response from local businesses.

Corporate sponsors can get involved at three different levels.

oThe Gold Level involves support at $1,000 or more,
oThe Silver Level involves support of $750 or more, and
oThe Bronze Level involves support of $500 or more.

So far, Arends said she has commitment from Luverne Community Hospital and Luverne Medical Center/Sioux Valley Physician Group at the Gold Level, and Jubilee Foods, Glen’s Food Center and Luverne Farm Store have committed support at the Bronze Level.

"We have had other smaller donations to date that are also appreciated," Arends said.

The Relay for Life has become the trademark fund-raiser for the Society, the world’s largest non-profit health organization committed to cancer research, education and service.

The event in Rock County will be staged on the track and field at Luverne High School.

Relay for Life involves teams of runners and walkers competing against each other to raise the most money.

Teams of individuals representing corporations, hospitals, neighborhoods and families take turns on the track with at least one team member on the track at a time.

The Relay for Life is now held nationwide, and thousands of people participate each year to help fight cancer.

The event is most noted for its luminaries that glow in memory of individuals who have died from cancer or in honor of those who have survived cancer.

The paper sacks, containing sand and candles, are displayed around the track and are illuminated during a special lighting ceremony at dusk.

In December, local organizers mailed letters to area businesses announcing the event.

The letter also outlined several ways to get involved.

oCorporations, businesses and group sponsors are needed to donate advertising dollars to promote Relay for Life.
oTeams of eight to 10 walkers are needed to compete to raise money during the night of walking.
oPeople are needed who are willing to buy luminaries in memory of their loved ones who have died from cancer or to honor those who have survived cancer.
oVolunteers are needed to help with any part of this activity, from setting up to cleaning up, and to support Relay for Life by attending.

Arends can be reached at 669-2905. Baartman, 283-4119, and Janet Marshall, 283-4192, are co-chairs for Relay for Life in Rock County. Helen Saum, 283-4340, is the team recruitment chair.

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