Published March 2003

Cancer Society gears up for annual fund raiser

Photo courtesy of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life participants take turns walking around a track in their efforts to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

By Kimberly Hilden
SCBJ Assistant Editor

This year, more than 3,800 communities will hold an American Cancer Society Relay for Life — an annual overnight event that raises funds and awareness in the fight against cancer.

And this year, five of those relays will take place in Snohomish County — in Everett, Monroe, Edmonds, Marysville and, a new addition, Stanwood/Camano Island — in June and July, said Jody Copeland, community development manager for the American Cancer Society’s Northwest Division.

“It’s amazing to me how many people have been touched by cancer,” she said, noting that there are a number of ways for people to take part in the event.

They can join a planning committee; volunteer for the day; form a team to raise funds and participate in the hours-long relay, in which team members walk (or run) around a track; or simply take part in the festivities and watch the relay. Companies wanting to participate also have the opportunity to be an event sponsor.

For businesses that want to start a team or teams, start as early as possible, Copeland said. That way, teams, usually numbering between eight and 15, have time to plan and execute fund raisers, and team captains have the opportunity to attend a series of captains’ meetings.

“We love to have people put teams together. It’s an awesome way for businesses to do team building and build employee morale,” Copeland said, noting that teams set up camp inside the track and enjoy snacks provided by local businesses as well as a variety of entertainment.

There is a $100 team registration fee, and teams are encouraged to raise $150 per team member, but there is no minimum fund-raising requirement, Copeland said. “We want them to participate regardless.”

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event — and its largest fund raiser, Copeland said, raising up to 40 percent of the donations that the nonprofit organization brings in annually to pay for cancer research, education, advocacy and service programs.

In 2002, relays in Snohomish County raised a total of $325,000 for the American Cancer Society, thanks to the hard work of volunteers, sponsoring businesses, participating teams and supporting communities, Copeland said.

To find out more about Relay for Life, including dates and locations for the five relays in Snohomish County, call 800-729-5588 or visit the American Cancer Society’s Web site, www.cancer.org.

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