Fundraiser gets support from community, schools
CHENEY – The seventh annual Cheney Relay for Life starts Friday. The theme for the fun-filled overnight team event designed to raise money for research for the American Cancer Society is “Viva Las Vegas – Don’t Gamble with YOUR Life … Help us find a cure.” At Relay For Life, teams of people take turns walking or running laps, trying to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.
“The walking is more a matter of because cancer doesn’t rest, neither do we,” said Kym Grime, Youth Involvement chairwoman. “So each team needs to keep at least one person on the track at all times. But it doesn’t have to be tied to any money. Somebody can say, ‘If you want to sponsor me by lap,’ then you can, but it doesn’t have to be.”
Her first year helping with the event, Grime and her mother, Jill Weiszman, are participating in honor of her father who died from cancer in January 2007. Her first instinct was to say no when asked to help by Carol Golden, Relay for Life co-chairwoman. With a new job last October, two children, and a husband often away in the military, Grime felt she couldn’t possibly add another responsibility. After much thought she agreed to participate.
“My father was one of the main reasons,” said Grime. “The other was Carol Golden, who asked me to help. She’s a cancer survivor herself. So it was kind of twofold. I thought this would be something that would help in the healing process after losing my dad, as well as someone reaching out to me saying they could really use my help.”
As Youth Involvement chairwoman, Grime enlisted the help of local schools. A big success is from Cheney Middle School, where the Students in Action class held a coin-drive fundraiser. Led by teacher Margie Foland, the eighth-grade team is called School of Rock. The students competed in their core teams to see who could raise the most change based on weight per person. The core team with the heaviest change collected was then recognized for “making change” a priority in the quest to find a cure for cancer by receiving a trophy with a customized engraving.
The Cheney High School DECA club also raised funds this year and has donated $1,000 to the American Cancer Society via Cheney Relay for Life.
“I think that word-of-mouth spreads as you end up talking about cancer,” says Grime. “Now that I’ve lost a loved one to it, I can’t believe how many people I’m hearing are in the battle right now, or have lost someone, or who is a survivor. I had no idea.”
“Cancer affects all our lives: be it ourselves, a loved family member, a friend or a co-worker,” said Golden. “It’s a terrible disease that has to be stopped.”
There are many ways to help the cause. Before Relay for Life, money is raised throughout the year by soliciting donations, and by activities such as car washes, the sale of special bracelets, and raffle tickets for donated quilts. During the event there is fundraising through the sale of homemade lanyards for water bottles, photos of the teams and event activities, and baked goods.
Entertainment also is combined with fundraising efforts. A Mr. Relay contest involves a man from each of up to 10 teams dressing as a woman, getting on stage, then being asked questions to which typically only women would know the correct reply. Next they’re sent out into the audience to raise money. The man who raises the most money gets crowned Mr. Relay.
Elvis impersonator Ben “Preslee” Klein and the Rockabillies will perform following the opening ceremonies. Activities through the night will include karaoke, theme laps, games and more bands.
Teams can sign up on the day of the event. Also anyone can participate even if not on a team – just show up, have fun and celebrate life.