Midwest Relay For Life

Fundraising Fridays: Cookbook

2012-02-17T09:38:00.007-06:00

This week's Fundraising Friday idea comes from the Relay For Life of Lyon, O'Brien, Sioux, and Osceola Counties, IA.

A local radio station in Iowa, KIWA, was celebrating their 50th Anniversary so they decided to put together a cookbook with recipes from their listeners and give 100% of the proceeds to Relay For Life. The KIWA Radio has a listening area of four counties, so the Relay For Life events of Lyon, O'Brien, Sioux, and Osceola County benefited from this fundraiser. The radio station advertised it frequently on air, on their website, and it was featured in several local newspapers. There are a number of different printing companies but KIWA created the cookbook through Morris Press (http://www.morriscookbooks.com).

The process was easy because listener's could upload their recipes right onto the website. Cookbooks were sold through the radio station. They asked for $16 per cookbook and took pre-orders. Team members were also able to sell the cookbooks as a team fundraiser. $13,000 was raised between the four counties!

Happy Relaying!

Midwest Division Relay For Life Business Unit

When We Walk Together, We Are Bigger Than Cancer

2012-02-16T11:06:00.004-06:00

Click here to see a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life "Luminaria" television commercial.

When we walk together, we're bigger than cancer.

Join the world's biggest fight for less cancer and more birthdays, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life®. Find your community's event at http://www.relayforlife.org

What's Important Now! (W.I.N.)

2012-02-14T10:55:00.005-06:00

“If you don’t ask, you will never know what might have been.” Think about it-- who can you ask to join your committee, which company wants to be a sponsor or who wants to start a team. Who will you ask to join you in the fight? Even better, which survivors and caregivers will you invite to join in celebrating and remembering.

As the 2012 Relay season approaches in the Midwest, think about how you will make your Relay different from last year. It all begins with “Making the Ask”. Now is the time to execute your plan to get people involved in your community’s Relay experience. Many times you may not get the response you were hoping for, but never give up. Persistence and dedication fuel your Relay passion. Let it carry you through each Ask.

You don’t know what each person’s passion is. Maybe it is just like yours. Maybe they want to make a difference in the fight against cancer, but didn’t know because they were never asked. As a Relayer, show them how they can help. Over the next several months you can work together to make your Relay the Best Ever!!!

Good luck and thank you for all that you do!

Dave Olson
Midwest Division Relay Advisory Team Chair

Super Bowl = Super Fundraiser!

2012-02-09T16:27:00.002-06:00

This week's fundraiser comes to us from Cottonwood County, MN.

The Relay For Life of Cottonwood County, MN has teamed up with National Team Partner Papa Murphy's to score a touchdown in the fight against cancer. Each year, for both the Super Bowl, and the World Series, committee member Mary Theesfeld coordinates a 'take and bake' pizza sale to correspond with the big games. During the month of January, Relay teams take orders for a variety of pizzas and other products. The Saturday before the Super Bowl donors can pick up their orders, (some over achieving Relayers even hand deliver all of their orders!) The Relay makes $3.00 for each pizza sold and $1.00 for various other products. In 2011, this fundraiser raised $3,400! So far this year, the World Series sales combined with last week's Super Bowl sales add up to $3,585!!! Way to go Mary & the Relay For Life of Cottonwood County!

Did You Know? During the past 10 years, cancer death rates have declined in men and women of nearly every racial and ethnic group. This translates into more than one million cancer deaths avoided since 1991-1992.

Happy Relaying!

Midwest Division Relay For Life Business Unit

How Well Do You Know Your Family?

2012-02-08T13:53:00.001-06:00

You might think you know your family pretty well, but what about their health history? Do any of your first degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) have a history of colon cancer or polyps? While the majority of colon cancer cases occur in individuals without family history, having a first degree relative with colon cancer or polyps can increase your risk, especially if they were diagnosed before age 60.

In honor of Colon Cancer Awareness Month this March, take the opportunity to ask your family members about their health and inform your health care provider of your family history. You may need to begin screening before age 50.

Even if your family is free of colon cancer, you still need to be screened beginning at age 50. Talk to your health care provider about your options or visit cancer.org/coloncancer. Encourage friends and family to get tested too! Colon cancer is one cancer that can sometimes be prevented through screening - by removing pre-cancerous polyps before they become cancer.

Additional ways you can lower your risk include maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active. It’s also important to eat a healthy diet that is high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains and to limit consumption of processed foods, red meat and alcohol. Learn more at cancer.org/coloncancer or call 1.800.227.2345.

Fundraise with Facebook!

2012-02-02T16:43:00.000-06:00

Set It...and Forget It!

It doesn't get any easier than this. As a Relay For Life participant, you have the option to utilize the Fundraise with Facebook application to enhance your personal and event fundraising. New this year for the Facebook application is Newsfeeds. If you are or will become a Fundraise with Facebook user, you will now have the ability to schedule Newsfeeds that send out Relay For Life event reminders and status updates automatically to all of your Facebook friends. To schedule Newsfeeds: Login to your event web site 1. Click the My Relay Center tab 2. Scroll down to the graphic that says Fundraise with Facebook and click on it 3. Add the application to your Facebook account if you haven't yet 4. Once added click on the American Cancer Society - Relay For Life application under your apps section 5. Then click on the Schedule Newsfeeds tab 6. Check the box next to any of the updates/reminder messages you want Facebook to send out on your behalf 7. Click Save Updates.
Did You know? Second hand smoke is a mixture of two forms of smoke that come from burning tobacco: sidestream smoke (smoke that comes from the end of a lighted cigarette, pipe, or cigar) and mainstream smoke (smoke that is exhaled by a smoker). These 2 forms of smoke are not same. The sidestream smoke has higher concentrations of cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) than the mainstream smoke. And it contains smaller particles than mainstream smoke, which make their way into the body's cells more easily. Happy Relaying! Midwest Division Relay For Life Business Unit

A Night at the Movies!

2012-01-27T15:06:00.000-06:00

This week's Fundraising Friday idea comes from the Relay For Life of Reedsburg, WI.
With the award season upon us, especially the highly coveted Oscars, what a great opportunity to work with your local movie theater! The Fix It Family Team in Reedsburg has set up a night at Star Cinema in Reedsburg where all of the tickets sold throughout the night are sold at a discounted rate and $1 from each ticket will be donated towards the team's fundraising for the Relay For Life! In addition, 10% of the concession stand proceeds will also be donated. To help with publicity, the grocery store and a local restaurant will be distributing fliers for the event 2 weeks prior to help spread the word.
Did you know? Despite having several screening test options available fewer than 50% of eligible adults are screened for colorectal cancer, an inadequate number. Full American Cancer Society screening guidelines are available here.
Happy Relaying!
Midwest Division Relay For Life Business Unit

Vote For Your Favorite Now!

2012-01-23T13:44:00.002-06:00

Cast your vote for the 2013 Relay For Life Commemorative Artwork. The winning design will be used on official Relay For Life t-shirts and promotional items.

Advocacy In Action: Wisconsin

2012-01-23T10:07:00.001-06:00

January marks the return of lawmakers to state Capitols across the nation. We will be highlighting the potential emergent issues that could impact cancer patients, survivors and the American Cancer Society in each of the Midwest Division’s individual state legislative sessions. Last in the series is Wisconsin. Allison Miller, Wisconsin Director of Government Relations says the advocacy team and volunteers will be working to advance and educate Wisconsinites on series of important cancer-related public policy issues. These issues include; protecting the state’s year old smoke-free air law, working to regulate and curb use of new and evolving tobacco products, especially those that are candy flavored, combatting childhood obesity through increased physical activity and improved nutrition including greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables at school, and protecting access to affordable health care for those insured through Wisconsin’s medical assistance programs. In addition, while Wisconsin is not actively working to implement an online one-stop-shop for buying health insurance, advocates will be educating decision makers, volunteers and the public about the benefits of such a plan as well as the numerous benefits cancer patients, survivors and their families are already enjoying under the new federal health care law. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is your voice at the Capitol creating a world with more birthdays and saving lives. Your voice in the fight is critical. We need your voice in the fight now more than ever, to volunteer go to www.acscan.org/volunteer.

Kiss a Pig!

2012-01-19T16:35:00.000-06:00

This week's fundraiser comes from Chickasaw County, IA! Here is a great example of a fundraiser that could only come from the Midwest! The Latecomers Team lead by co-captains Susan Prosser and Norma Hackman, were looking for a fun and unique way to fundraise for their local Relay For Life. Some of their team members worked for a local company, Lynch Livestock, and graciously accepted to participate in a Kiss the Pig Contest! There were several contestants including the company's owner who participated during the three week contest. For every $1 donation in your favorite contestant's name, they received 1 vote. Of course many people gave much more than $1 to see their favorite co-worker or neighbor get a chance to the kiss the pig. They promoted the event online through the Relay For Life event website, posters, newspaper, and the local radio station promoted it heavily. The event raised over $5,700 and they already have plans to make it bigger and better in 2012.
Did you know? In the United States, the American Cancer Society invests more than $130 million on cancer research each year and has invested more than $3.6 billion in cancer research since the program began in 1946.
Happy Relaying!
Midwest Division Relay For Life Business Unit

Advocacy In Action: Iowa

2012-01-18T10:26:00.000-06:00

January marks the return of lawmakers to state Capitols across the nation. We will be highlighting the potential emergent issues that could impact cancer patients, survivors and the American Cancer Society in each of the Midwest Division’s individual state legislative sessions. Next up in the series is Iowa. According to Government Relations Director Peggy Huppert, early indications point toward possible bi-partisan cooperation on big issues like reform of the mental health system, K-12 education and property taxes. Since it is an election year, legislators are interested in accomplishing a few popular things and then adjourning so they start campaigning. Advocates will continue to push for including casinos in our popular smoke-free air law. Work will also continue on establishing a state health insurance Exchange and addressing the issue of radon. Finally, we will try to increase funding for tobacco control programs in the wake of a 65 percent cut passed in the last legislative session. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is your voice at the Capitol creating a world with more birthdays and saving lives. Your voice in the fight is critical. We need your voice in the fight now more than ever, to volunteer go to www.acscan.org/volunteer.

Advocacy In Action: Minnesota

2012-01-17T09:11:00.002-06:00

January marks the return of lawmakers to state Capitols across the nation. We will be highlighting the potential emergent issues that could impact cancer patients, survivors and the American Cancer Society in each of the Midwest Division’s individual state legislative sessions. Third in the series is Minnesota. Matt Schaffer, Government Relations Director in Minnesota, tells us that as the 2012 Legislative Session draws nearer, there is certain to be continuing discussion regarding health reform with the Dayton Administration and the Minnesota legislature trying to common ground on a state health insurance exchange. Advocates will continue working with the Raise it For Health Coalition to promote an increase in the tobacco tax as we know that cost is the number one factor that influences one’s decision to quit using tobacco or never begin using in the first place. The American Cancer Society will also continue to work with the Minnesota Healthy Kids Coalition and others on defending funding for the Statewide Health Improvement Program and supporting the successful implementation of federal Community Transformation Grant dollars. These dollars are currently being invested in public health campaigns across the state focused on reducing tobacco use and obesity. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is your voice at the Capitol creating a world with more birthdays and saving lives. Your voice in the fight is critical. We need your voice in the fight now more than ever, to volunteer go to www.acscan.org/volunteer.

Advocacy In Action: South Dakota

2012-01-13T13:36:00.001-06:00

January marks the return of lawmakers to state Capitols across the nation. Over the next four weeks we will be highlighting the potential emergent issues that could impact cancer patients, survivors and the American Cancer Society in each of the Midwest Division’s individual state legislative sessions. We kick off the series with the state with the shortest legislative session, South Dakota. Governor Daugaard announced plans to invest more state dollars to help recruit physicians and mid-level practitioners to rural areas and to expand the program to help educate expectant and new mothers on the dangers of smoking while pregnant and around newborns. Jennifer Stalley, SD Government Relations Director, says “We expect to see a bill to exempt Deadwood casinos within the statewide smoke-free law. We also expect to see efforts to reduce the funding to the tobacco prevention program. We will work oppose both of these efforts and any other attempt to hinder the progress we have made in addressing lung cancer through policy.” She goes on to say, “We also anticipate bills to deter or repel provisions of the Affordable Care Act. We will work to make sure that the cancer patient is afforded the care they deserve.” The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is your voice at the Capitol creating a world with more birthdays and saving lives. Your voice in the fight is critical. We need your voice in the fight now more than ever, to volunteer go to www.acscan.org/volunteer.

Crazy Cap Day

2012-01-12T15:27:00.000-06:00

This weeks fundraiser comes from Coon Rapids, MN! In just one day Sand Creek Elementary in Coon Rapids, MN raised $520.11 for the Relay For Life of Blaine through their first-ever 'Relay Cap-Day'. For $1 a piece students were allowed to wear a cap to school in support of the American Cancer Society. Each class also voted on the best cap and crowned a 'Craziest Cap' winner. As told by a Teacher at Sand Creek, "It was a great success and the faculty loved the idea. In one classroom a student got up and told the story behind the hat she was wearing -- it was the hat her mom has worn as a cancer survivor. She told the story about the hat in front of the 1st grade class and she won the best hat for her class. I went for lunch and could have cried with how proud I was of all the kids!" Awesome job Sand Creek Elementary! Check out more of Sand Creek's Crazy Relay Hats on Facebook! Did you know? Since 2009, the Midwest Division has educated nearly 85,000 people from low socioeconomic communities about getting regular cancer screenings and adopting healthy lifestyles. Happy Relaying! Midwest Division Relay For Life Business Unit

Caroling For Cancer!

2012-01-05T16:31:00.002-06:00

This week's fundraiser comes to us from the RFL of the Robbinsdale area, MN.

This Holiday Season Relay For Life Team Captains Sonia and Shelby, along with Shelby's little sister Skylar went caroling through the streets of Golden Valley, to spread some holiday cheer all while raising funds for their Relay team.
As Sonia explains "The people were generous this year, and we raised a whopping $230.00!!! Our repertoire consisted of "Frosty the Snowman", "Walking in a Winter Wonderland", "Jingle Bells" and "Silent Night" in two-part harmony. We had a fantastic night, and the time was well spent. It was an amazing feeling to know that something we love so much-- something so simple as a song, could touch so many people and help contribute to finding a cure. Emotions were high; it really was a Christmas miracle. :) Almost everyone has been touched by cancer, either through their own personal battle or through someone they love. 1 in 3 people are diagnosed with cancer at some point throughout their lifetime. Cancer can affect any part of the body. These facts and statistics are shocking, and something needs to be done."
Congratulations and THANK YOU Sonia, Shelby and Skylar! You certainly are doing something special! What an inspiration you are to your Relayers everywhere!
(Cool sweaters too!)

Did you know? About one in three cancer deaths in the U.S. is related to nutrition and physical activity, with obesity as a major factor. The American Cancer Society recommends a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Visit www.cancer.org for dietary tips.

Happy Relaying!

Midwest Division Relay For Life Business Unit

2011-12-15T14:27:00.002-06:00

This week's fundraiser comes from the Relay For Life of North Lee County (IA).

The Group Benefit Partners team, led by team captain Brandi Koering, helped paint the town purple doing a unique fundraiser. They partnered with a local florist, who created and provided 100 purple bows at no charge to the team. Brandi's team then sold the bows throughout the community for $10 each. They promoted this fundraiser by distributing a flyer in the community, sent a press release to the newspaper, and through Facebook. Many of the sales of the bows were door to door in residential and business neighborhoods.

They sold more than 90 bows and raised over $900! The florist is already committed to the project for next year and the team is looking forward to continuing this fundraising project as an "annual tradition" in the community.

Providing Help Through The Holidays

2011-12-14T14:36:00.004-06:00

The holidays can be a particularly difficult time of the year for cancer patients, caregivers, family and friends. The American Cancer Society is here to help people get well 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 1.800.227.2345 or by logging on the web at www.cancer.org.

We can assist by providing up-to-date information about any type of cancer, resources to help with day to day needs, and provide emotional support.
The comprehensive resources available through the society can help constituents manage their experience at every point in the cancer journey, from initial diagnosis through survivorship and beyond.

Shop for Relay!

2011-12-08T17:02:00.003-06:00

This week's Fundraiser comes to us from the Relay For Life of Anoka, MN.

The American Cancer Society RFL's of Anoka and Blaine are currently participating in the Northtown Mall's Magical Season of Giving fundraising promotion. They are one of 19 selected nonprofits competing. Here's how it works: Every dollar spent at a Northtown Mall retailer from November 19th to December 18th can count as one point. Receipts from various other retailers outside of the mall also work. Relayers simply take their receipts to Guest Services and Relay will receive one point for each dollar spent. Not only do ordinary receipts work for this promotion but mall gift-cards and photos with Santa count as double points! The top award is $4,000 for the winning non-profit. After the first week, Relay For Life is in second place ($2,000 prize)!

This is a great fundraising opportunity, but an even better opportunity to talk to retailers and potential partners about Relay. Great job getting the word out RFL's of Anoka & Blaine! Way to take advantage of a terrific opportunity. Good Luck!

Run for a Reason!

2011-12-01T16:37:00.003-06:00

This week's fundraiser comes to us from Champlin Park, MN

The 1st annual 'Run For a Reason' run/walk was held Thanksgiving Day morning in Champlin Park. The event was put on by a go-getting Relay For Life team who wanted to incorporate the American Cancer Society Mission into their Fundraising efforts. Family, friends and neighbors were recruited to help with the organization and logistics of the route and event. Team members publicized their brand new fundraiser on Facebook, via email and by good old-fashioned word of mouth! They enticed participants to attend by promoting the run as a great way to start off your Thanksgiving Day with an awesome workout while contributing to the lifesaving Mission of the American Cancer Society! (Providing breakfast didn't hurt either!)
In this inaugural year, the Thanksgiving Day 'Run For a Reason' had 84 runners and raised $860 for the American Cancer Society & RFL of Champlin Park!

Did you know? Research supported by the American Cancer Society shows that caring for someone with cancer is among the most stressful situations of all people caring for someone with a disease. The American Cancer Society is here to help. Together the four Midwest Division Hope Lodge locations served more than 5,400 cancer patients and caregivers in 2011, offering them a home-away-from-home that is available every day of the year.

“Emergency Lunch Sale”

2011-11-18T13:30:00.002-06:00

Ever hear co-workers say “I forgot my lunch” or I don’t have time to run out and grab something to eat before my next meeting”? Well here is a fundraiser idea for you. Go to your local grocery store when they have a really good sale on microwave dinners such as Lean Cuisine or Weight Watchers, etc, and purchase a bunch of them and put them in the freezer in your office break room/lunchroom for sale at a price above what you paid for them. Be sure to send an email out to co-workers and put a note on the freezer door advertising the Emergency Lunch Sale. Be sure to let them know that the funds you raise are being donated to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.

Happy Relaying!

Coaches vs Cancer!

2011-11-10T16:40:00.003-06:00

Coaches vs. Cancer

This program continues to gain momentum across the Midwest Division to engage high school sports with the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life! We're hoping to have over 500 high schools involved and raise over $800,000! It's fun and easy to get your local teams involved and all the funds raised at Coaches vs. Cancer events can support your local Relay For Life.

Coaches vs. Cancer invites high school coaches and their teams to plan activities and fundraisers that coincide with an upcoming game to highlight their commitment to the fight against cancer. Some Coaches vs. Cancer events include fun and easy activities like t-shirt sales, athletes collecting pledges, penny wars, silent auctions at a game, special concession sales and local business sponsorships for the event.

Because the program is so flexible, every school can do something unique to showcase their school pride while bringing the community together for a common cause. For more information, please visit www.coachesvscancer.org or contact your state Coaches vs. Cancer staff leads:

IA: Michelle Gitzen at michelle.gitzen@cancer.org or 563-424-2953

MN: Jamie Nelson at jamie.nelson@cancer.org or 651-255-8805

SD: Molly Peterson at molly.peterson@cancer.org or 800-660-7703

WI: Cody Allen at cody.allen@cancer.org or 262-312-4035
Adam Schultz at adam.schultz@cancer.org or 262-312-4017

Holiday Market Sale!

2011-11-03T16:30:00.003-05:00

On Sunday November 13th, team 'Remission Accomplished' will host their 4th annual 'Holiday Market' gift sale at the local Community Center. The boutique features vendors and crafters from the local community and all proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life of Eden Prairie! Team Remission Success publicizes their sale on the relay website, Facebook and with flyers they hand out throughout the community. Their hard work pays off! Last year’s Holiday Market raised $3,775.03! In addition to the actual sale, several of the participating vendors extend their fundraising prior to, and beyond the sale. Way to go team Remission Accomplished and good luck on your upcoming Holiday Market sale!

Pink Out!

2011-10-27T16:39:00.002-05:00

Pink Out to Support Cancer Research
During the month of October, Totino-Grace High School raised funds for the American Cancer Society. One of their efforts included selling pink TG Kicks Cancer t-shirts that students can wear to the Wednesday, October 19, home football game vs. North Branch. The proceeds from the t-shirt sale, as well as other collections this fall, total more than $3200. The dollars will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
More than 700 TG Kicks Cancer t-shirts were sold and the entire Totino-Grace community, as well as all guests and fans, will wear the pink to the October 19 game. Totino-Grace and North Branch fans, as well as cancer supporters across the metro are invited to join us in the effort to bring awareness to the fight against cancer.

Did you know?:One in four American Cancer Society Relay For Life participants is a young person.

Happy Relaying!

Midwest Division Relay For Life Business Unit

Fundraising Fridays: Relay Recess

2011-10-13T22:06:00.009-05:00

It's fall and school is back in session!. The American Cancer Society is launching two new programs to provide students, teachers, and administrators the opportunity to become heroes in their own communities by celebrating people who have battled cancer, remembering loved ones lost, and fighting back against a disease that has taken too many lives

The Relay Recess and Relay Field Day programs bring the American Cancer Society Relay For Life to elementary and middle schools nationwide. These programs bring cancer education and community service to the classroom in a fun and exciting way. These programs engage students in the fight against cancer through fundraising activities that support the local Relay For Life! What a great way for a team or committee to raise funds while providing our schools with a fun and educational way to get active and fight back against cancer!

Because the program is so flexible, it is different at every school and is an excellent opportunity to showcase unique qualities about your school and your community.

For more information, please visit www.relayrecess.org

If you're interested in starting a Relay Recess or Relay Field Day in your community, please contact Kevin Kann at kevin.kann@cancer.org.

2011-10-06T15:40:00.004-05:00

BONNIE’S BEARS
Team Jefferson is introducing ‘Bonnie’s Bears’. In honor of Jefferson’s own Bonnie Chan. After being diagnosed with cancer, Bonnie still subs at Jefferson. She always has a smile. Sometimes you can tell physically she doesn’t feel well, but you could never tell it when she is around students. She always has time to visit with them, get to know them, make them feel good and help them with their homework. She always leaves us in awe of her strength, warmth, courage and faith. We are so happy and grateful she’s come in our lives. In honor of Bonnie, the staff lounge has Bonnie’s Bears starting Monday. (October is Breast Cancer awareness Month!)
A $30 donation to Team Jefferson/American Cancer Society and you may take a bear home in a bag!

In just it's first week Bonnie's Bears has already sold-out! More of Bonnie's Bears are on their way!!

Did you know? Ninety-eight percent of patients whose cancer has not spread beyond the breast at the time of diagnosis will survive at least five years. Mammography can identify breast cancer at an early stage, usually before physical symptoms develop when the disease is most treatable. The Society and its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action NetworkSM (ACS CAN), advocate for important legislation and public programs that provide increased access to breast cancer screenings, outreach and education, follow-up care and treatment for all people.