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Relay for Life fund raising surpasses goalBy MaryHelen Swanson Welcoming everyone to the 2002 Relay for Life, chairwoman Sharon Gallagher said it was to be ìa night of fun - one big party.î And, with the weather cooperating wonderfully, it was. The goal for last Friday night was to raise $110,000, but the folks in the north Chisago County area met the goal and then some by raising $110,458 by Monday morning and more money is expected to come in. Gallagher was excited as she relayed this total Monday morning; she was proud that Chisago County walkers can outdo a community of a million out east. At the opening ceremony Friday night, she told the crowd that 60-70 percent of the money raised goes to research and the remainder stays in the community. She also noted that while some local American Cancer Society workers might get paid, she and her Relay committee members did all their work as volunteers. With the exciting total, it appears Senator Twyla Ringís words Friday night were true when she said, ìWhen the cause is right, we unite.î Before his opening prayer, Abundant Life Pastor Kevin Haseltine reminded everyone that, with all that is happening in the world, we have a lot to be thankful for. In his prayers, he asked that God would open the minds of the researchers to find a cure for cancer. The Relay track was lined with some 2,800 luminaries which glowed until daybreak when the candles, now a pool of melted wax with a burning wick, were extinguished. A weary, but satisfied group gathered at the breakfast tent Saturday morning to hear numbers - fund-raising totals and top team and individual tallies. Once again, Donna Peters of Rush City was the individual who raised the most money. She brought in $2,026. The team ìRemembering Rick,î also repeated as top team fund raisers bringing in $6,502. Friday eveningís ceremony was highlighted by a butterfly release compliments of Stanley Tanger who supports this cancer fund-raising event each year. He was not able to attend but he had the butterflies flown in and each survivor was given one to release just before the Survivorís Lap. The butterflies, happy to be released from their tiny triangular packages, paused for brief seconds on heads and shoulders and even noses before realizing they were free. They then ascended into the evening sky and were off with the blessings of the survivors. As the survivors took their first lap, the excitement of the evening began. It included music, food, cancer education presentations, games and hours and hours of dedicated walking. The community took the challenge and was serious about raising funds to eradicate the dreadful disease cancer. One thing is for certain, if they donít find the cure for all cancers in the next 12 months, these enthusiastic people will be back next year to do it all again. ©ECM Post Review |