By Jolene Farley
Rock County Relay for Life organizers hope to meet or surpass last year's $50,000 raised for the American Cancer Society.
This year's Relay for Life is planned for Friday, June 14, and Saturday, June 15, at the Luverne High School track and football field.
The Relay for Life involves teams of runners and walkers competing against each other to raise money.
Last year, the first for Rock County, 41 teams and 535 walkers registered.
Participants have many reasons for deciding to volunteer for the Relay. For co-chair Vicki Baartman, Luverne, it was the loss of her grandmothers and an uncle to cancer and the diagnosis of her father with the same disease that spurred her to volunteer.
"It's happened over and over in my family," she said. "I felt this was something I could do that might help."
Co-chairs Baartman and Nancy Kaczrowski hope to make this year's Relay for Life a countywide event.
"Our goal would be to get more teams from the entire county so it becomes a truly county Relay for Life." Kaczrowski said. "We want to make sure all the corners of the county are participating."
Corporations, neighborhoods or families can start teams. Kaczrowski is willing to help.
"If they are interested, they can contact me," said Kaczrowski. "I'd be happy to share more information and get them enthused."
The Relay is most noted for its luminarias lit in memory of individuals who have died from cancer or in honor of those who have survived cancer.
The luminarias are paper sacks anchored by sand and lit by a candle inside. Last year, Rock County Relay crowds saw 1,705 luminarias lit at dusk.
They can be decorated by individuals, or Relay For Life organizers can simply write a loved oneÕs name on the luminaria.
"Some families prefer to do their own," said co-chair Vicki Baartman. "They'll put pictures on it. If the person was particularly interested in golf or baseball they will decorate it representing the personÕs interests."
"It was really moving," said Baartman about last year's luminaria lighting. "It was a real visual reminder how many lives are touched by cancer."
The official kick-off for the event is Thursday, March 7, for committee members and team captains.
Eight-year-old Jessica Fick, cancer survivor, has been selected this yearÕs honorary chair. Jessica is the daughter of Mel and Denise Fick, Luverne.
There are several ways to get involved with this year's Relay for Life.
The Relay for Life needs more corporate sponsors. Jubilee Foods, Glen's Food Center, Minnwest Bank and Luverne Community Hospital and Sioux Valley Physicians Group (Luverne Medical Center) are the current Gold level ($1,000) sponsors for this year's event.
Teams of eight to 10 members are needed to walk during the relay. Organizers hope to see all the teams from last year plus some new teams as well.
Volunteers are needed to help plan entertainment for the evening and coordinate food and beverage donations.
Baartman can be reached at 283-4119 and Kaczrowski at 283-9261.