Relay for Life sign-ups now under way

Friday, February 15, 2013
Putnam County Realy for Life recently held its annual kick off meeting at the Putnam Inn. Community members came out to hear about this year's relay as well as sign up for the main event. Sheri Comei (right) collected her team captain's packet from Bridget McCan (far lleft) and Celia Klug.

Spring is on its way and with the nicer weather comes the annual Putnam County Relay for Life event, which helps the fight against cancer. The organization held its first event, a kick off breakfast, on Tuesday morning to begin getting event information out to the community and sign up teams.

This year's Relay for Life will take place on April 27 from noon-midnight in DePauw's Indoor Tennis and Track Center, a major change from previous years.

The move indoors and the shorter time frame is something that Relay for Life co-coordinators Betsy Corrigan and Stewart Burns hope will not only increase participation, but also make people stay for the entire event.

Relay for Life first began in May of 1985 in Tacoma, Wash. The event is an overnight community gathering where people are provided with an opportunity to fight cancer and help save lives. Relay for Life is now taking place worldwide in more than 5,000 communities and 20 countries and raises nearly $500 million a year.

During the breakfast meeting at the Putnam Inn on Tuesday morning Corrigan and Burns also announced this year's theme for the relay, "Tune Out Cancer," a theme that they believe everyone can relate to.

"Just like cancer has impacted someone's life, music has too," Burns said. "Tune out cancer and turn up the music."

Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray also spoke during the kick off event. Murray spoke on how cancer has touched her family, friends and co-workers, especially recently.

Both co-coordinators and Murray touched on the subject of the renovations that will be ongoing at Blackstock Stadium, which could potentially cause some difficultly on the day of relay.

"It hasn't gone away," Murray said. "We're doing this (relay) for a cause far greater than a little difficulty on relay day. It is important to remember the struggles they go through."

This year, the relay committee has seen 20 fewer teams signed up than in previous years at the same time. Committee members encouraged the community to speak the word to friends and family members.

Along with several changes to the location and time, this year team members are able to personalize their own relay page for donations. They are also encouraged to advertise their fundraising efforts through Facebook and Twitter.

Jenny Bradshaw, who is charge of sponsorships, also spoke on several ways to fundraise and to get more businesses involved in this year's event.

Businesses can donate anywhere from $500 and up and have the opportunity to have their name on the back of the Relay for Life T-shirt.

There is also the opportunity to participate in the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). A $10 contribution provides you with a year of update's on what is happening in Washington D.C.

Bradshaw stated that they are looking to get at least 40 members to sign up for ACS CAN this year. Last year Putnam County Relay for Life had the most members of any relay in its division.

Another change this year, is if a team gets a business to sponsor, that money can count toward your team total as well.

Interested participants can also purchase their luminaria online however it must be turned in prior to the event if you'd like it in a certain spot along the track. However, they are still working on a plan for the luminaria since the event has been moved indoors.

The luminaria lights the track to remember those who have faced cancer, those who have lost to cancer, those who are still fighting and those who have fought cancer and won. Every dollar collected will help in the fight against cancer.

Committee members are also looking for more cancer survivors to participate in this year's event. This year's survivor's dinner will be held on April 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Inn at DePauw. Cancer survivors are also honored with a Survivor Lap during the relay.

The committee members stressed the importance of getting teams signed up as soon as possible to begin fundraising. Teams typically consist of about 15 members, but all sizes are welcome. All members are welcome to attend the actual relay but do not have to. However, teams are advised to have enough members to walk the track at all times.

"We want everyone to do onsite fundraising," said Burns. "Make sure you fundraise beforehand as well."

The fundraising goal this year is $137,500 with Bank Night being April 24 from 5-8 p.m. in teh UB Ballroom.

"We want 2013 to be the year and why not when we're celebrating American Cancer Society's 100th birthday," said Putnam County Community Representative Rachel Romas. "We want to meet our goal and succeed that goal."

It was also noted at the end of the meeting, that the Putnam County Museum will soon be hosting a Putnam County Relay for Life exhibit. Anyone who may have something to contribute to the exhibit should contact relayforlife@depauw.edu.

A 'n' J Bowl will also be hosting a fundraiser today from 5-8 p.m. The bowling alley will be splitting the proceeds with Relay for Life.

The first team captain meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 6 in the UB Ballroom at DePauw beginning at 7 p.m.

For more information on the event email relayforlife@depauw.edu. To sign up a team visit www.relayforlife.org.

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