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Organizers for Relay for Life are starting preparations early this year and are offering incentives for teams who register early.
“We are encouraging people to sign up early and start fundraising,” said Tori Cook, president of Colleges Against Cancer (CAC). “It’s how we make most of our money.”
The push to persuade teams and participants to begin fundraising and looking for sponsors early this year is in hope of being first in the nation in money raised per capita.
“Last year we won first place in our region and third in the nation,” Cook said. “People do everything from car washes to bake sales to raise money.”
Timothy Kunz, Luminaria Chair, is working closely with Cook and shares the same aspirations.
“We are offering a prize for the team that can raise the most money by Jan. 1,” Kunz said.
Cook indicated the prize could be a special dinner for the team or Relay for Life gear.
“The prize isn’t final yet, but there will be one offered,” she said.
Along with new fundraising incentives, organizers are hoping to make the event more entertaining and student-oriented while respecting the community.
“We are having a gaming theme this year,” Cook said. “It’s games in general, and we’re hoping to get more people involved with costumes and decorating their tents.”
Kunz said the events would likely relate to the theme.
“Like Guitar Hero competitions,” he said.
The Kibbie Dome decorations will also correlate with the gaming theme. Cook said she plans to decorate the Dome as a board game.
“I’m hoping to lay game pieces down around the Dome with Relay for Life facts on them,” Kunz said.
Deadlines for registration will be in March. Fee amounts have changed to $10 per person, which includes a Relay for Life T-shirt and food.
“We didn’t feel it was fair to charge a team $100 to register,” Cook said.
Teams will need captains. Their duties will include coming to one-on-one monthly meetings with Cook at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. They will also be responsible for collecting money for fundraising and getting their teams to wear costumes and decorate their tents.
CAC is looking for volunteers to help with the event and wants more students to get involved.
“I had a couple friends with cancer,” Cook said. “Then I found out my mother was diagnosed, and I felt like I should do something about it.”
Kunz also had a personal experience that prompted his participation with Relay for Life and CAC.
“About three years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer,” Kunz said. “I went to a Relay for Life with a friend and moved up here and got involved.”
Cook said students do not need to have an experience to become involved.
“One in four people get cancer,” Cook said. “The American Cancer Society has helped find many new treatments we can cure cancer we just have to keep raising money… Imagine a day with no cancer. Do it for your friends, family and yourself.”
Anyone interested in participating can contact Cook at (509)-868-2386, or e-mail her at
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Online registration is also available on the Web at main.acsevents.org.
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