Relay for Life gears up, raises goal

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Plans for the 2012 Stutsman County Relay for Life are already in motion even though the annual fundraiser is more than four months away.

“The teams are just organizing at this point and I know that some of the teams have discussed things but to my knowledge there hasn’t actually been any fundraisers (yet this year),” said Nina Hintz, team development chairperson with Stutsman County Relay for Life.

Teams are still in the formation process. So far 16 teams have signed up with the goal set for 50 teams.

“When you’re looking at fighting cancer it really brings everyone together for a common cause,” Hintz said. “Whether it’s raising the dollars, or sharing memories of loved ones — it just brings the community together in a common cause.”

Last year the Relay raised $134,606, or $6.54 per person.

“We are one of the most generous counties in the United States,” said Clara Peterson, team development chairperson with the Relay here. “We not only got first place in our region but we’re third place in the United States, per capita.”

This year the Relay looks to raise $140,000, but to do that it will need more teams.

Last year, 37 teams raised more than $134,000. If the 50-team goal is reached, Stutsman County Relay for Life will again be one of the most successful campaigns in the nation per capita, Hintz said.

Money raised is used for cancer research, prevention programs, community and patient support programs, detection and treatment programs and management.

“Cancer affects a lot of lives and it’s a way to try and do something about it,” she said.

Teams are usually comprised of 15 people. Those groups then hold fundraisers throughout the year and donate the money to the Relay.

Fundraisers in the past have included cookouts, silent auctions, car washes and hot sauce and purse sales.

Teams that hold fundraisers consist of everything from churches, businesses, organizations, friends, family members and even small towns.

Because this is the Stutsman County Relay for Life, Peterson said she’d like to see more involvement from rural communities.

Streeter and Gackle have had teams in the past but not for the past two years.

Medina already has strong support early in the Relay planning process, Peterson said.

On June 8, the Relay teams will meet at the Stutsman County Fairgrounds and walk laps into the morning of June 9 in a celebration of survivors and in remembrance of those claimed by cancer.

On Jan. 24 the Relay held its 2012 kick-off meeting. About 80 people attended.

“I thought it went very well,” Hintz said. “We had good attendance.”

She said this year there will be extra emphasis on caregivers.

The Relay is also looking for someone to help plan games and events during the June 8-9 event.

If interested in starting a team or joining a committee, contact Peterson at 659-3193 or clarap@ csicable.net.

Sun reporter Ben Rodgers can be reached at 701-952-8455 or by email at brodgers@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news, benefit, cancer