By Sara Quam
Relay for Life's upcoming appearance in Luverne, so far, has local organizers proud and the American Cancer Society smiling.
The Friday event's projections surpassed all initial expectations for a first-time Relay in a city this size.
The American Cancer Society said Luverne could expect about 15 teams and raise about $15,000. Organizers have registered 41 teams, 530 walkers and raised $37,000.
Co-chair Vicki Baartman said, "We're blowing them out of the water."
Janet Marshall, other co-chair, said, "The response has been overwhelming from everyone."
Relay for Life has become the trademark fund-raiser for the Society, the worldÕs largest non-profit health organization committed to cancer research, education and service.
The evening has something for everyone, Baartman said, so people can feel a part of the fund-raiser even if they aren't walking.
Starting at 5:30 p.m. at the high school track field there will be a cookout, booths with haircuts, hair braiding, massage therapy, childrenÕs activities and team fund-raising events, all with free-will offerings.
The opening ceremonies start at 7 p.m. with a Survivor's Lap. Luminary lighting ceremony will be at dusk. This is said to be a moving experience that will be set with 1200 glowing lights around the track. The public is invited to walk the track to read the luminaries, which are each dedicated to a cancer survivor or to someone who has died of cancer.
The Overnight Olympics keep the walkers going from midnight until the sunrise service at 6 a.m. Saturday.
The early devotion will be delivered by the Rev. David Jahn of the First Assembly of God Church, rural Luverne. He has participated in two Relays in Marshall and is walking this year as part of the VetÕs Home team.
Corporate sponsors of the event are Luverne Community Hospital Physicians Group/Luverne Medical Center, Glen's Food Center, Jubilee Foods, First Farmers and Merchants Bank, Luverne Farm Store, Dr. Bob Kaczrowski Family Dentistry, Lutheran Brotherhood #8608 and Minnwest Bank.
Berkley Information Services has two of the 41 teams. With about 33 participants fund-raising mostly within the office, Melanie Strehlow said they had a lot of fun. They sold bars and cookies for snacks and made sundaes one day.
The most unusual of their fund-raising techniques was a raffle called Sing for Your Life. During one company meeting a month, co-workers sing Happy Birthday to those celebrating. The raffle was designed like this: Employees paid for a vote on who they wanted to sing. The top three choices to sing had the option to buy out of their spot and choose a replacement. The replacement could also buy out of the singing so this fund-raiser was productive for BIS.
To date, the company has raised $1,700 and will continue fund-raising the night of Relay for Life where they will be selling glow sticks.
Baartman said, "A huge thanks goes out to all our team captains, team members, committee members, local businesses and organizations who have all given so generously of their time and resources. Bring your wallet and come out for a fun evening and join us in this fight against cancer."
Pictured above are the members of the Relay for Life team from Kaczrowski Dentistry are (back left) Jody Bosch, Nancy Kaczrowski, Julie Haugen, Lisa Hamann, (front left) Gloria Russman, Bob Kaczrowski, and Becky Kaczrowski. Photo by Kate Vander Kooi