Thank you for your participation in the 2009 Olmsted Country American Cancer Society Relay For Life.  Please take a few minutes to fill out our online evaluation form.  We value your input, and we will use this information to make next year’s Relay even better!

If you filled out and turned in a paper evaluation at the Relay site, this is the same set of questions so there is no need to do it a second time. Also, remember to mark your calendars for next year.  Relay For Life 2010 is scheduled for July 16 and 17.

Months of fundraising, planning, and preparation all pay off TODAY!  The Olmsted County American Cancer Society Relay For Life is TONIGHT at University Center Rochester.  Teams are securing their campsites, volunteers and committee members are busy setting up, and we’re all keeping our fingers crossed for good weather.

Right now the National Weather Service gives Rochester a 50/50 chance at some showers or thunderstorms during the day today.  We’ll have light winds, and a high of 82.  For tonight, that chance of showers and thunderstorms drops to 20%, and the low will drop down to 58.

Everything you need to know is right here:

• CPS3 Information
• Site Map
• Schedule of Events
• Weather Forecast and updated radar
• Relay Online

Stay tuned to this space for any more updates. We’ll post anything new you need to know as the information becomes available.  Have a great Relay!

Don’t forget your radio!  We’re trying a new thing with the public address system this year at Relay For Life.  We’ll be doing a low-power FM transmission of the audio from the stage that you will be able to tune in on a standard FM radio.  So toss in the FM receiver of your choice with the rest of your Relay camping gear, and get ready to tune in to the first ever Relay Radio!  The exact frequency is not something I know at the moment, but we’ll make it clear at the event tomorrow.

It’s not to late to harness the power of electronic communication and raise money with Relay Online. Relay is just two days away, but there’s still time to send out a last-minute  fund-raising email.

Perhaps you registered for Relay Online, but didn’t get around to importing your address book and taking advantage of the pre-formatted emails. But you can still raise money online. Here’s the ‘low-tech’ way to drum up some donations.

1. Rummage through the address book in your email application and create a message friends or family, even if they are far from Rochester. (Did you know that the number one reason people do not donate to charity is that no one ever asked them!)

2. In the message, include this link: http://www.events.cancer.org/rflolmstedcountymn

3. Ask the recipient of your message to click “Donate” and then search for your name as a participant.

4. They take it from there, and can help add to your individual and team totals.

Good luck, and I look forward to seeing out at Relay! Remember to stay tuned to the blog for the latest information on Relay!

Did you know there are eCards ready and waiting to be sent from the Relay For Life web site?  It’s as easy as point, click, and type.  Help spread the word to your friends and family about Relay For Life!

These are the core principles of Relay For Life.  There are many ways to live all three.  Watch the video below and click over to the Fight Back page at relayforlife.org for more ideas how to celebrate, remember, and fight back.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is Celebrating 25 Years of HOPE in communities around the world. We Relay to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has taken too much. You can make a difference by taking the pledge to fight back.  Join us at the 2009 Olmsted County American Cancer Society Relay For Life – July 10 and 11 at University Center Rochester.

Here’s a stunning statistic: about 50 percent of all cancer deaths could be prevented if people made everyday lifestyle changes, like not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and eating a healthy diet, and getting recommended cancer screenings. Speaking of cancer screenings, early detection can save lives – but only if people have access to the screenings they need. Learn more by clicking over to the Cancer Action Network’s site.

Creating a World with More Birthdays – The American Cancer Society works every day to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Together with your support, we help people stay well and get well, we find cures, and we fight back – so everyone can celebrate more birthdays. And because of that progress, 11 million cancer survivors and countless others who have avoided the disease will celebrate another birthday this year. Truly, “Happy Birthday” is a victory song!

Bark For Life is a 1.0-mile walk that honors the care-giving qualities of our canine best friends while raising money for life-saving cancer research and services for cancer patients.   After the walk, participants enjoy activities, games, food, and entertainment.

When: June 27th, 2009
Where: Jean & Carl Frank SE Canine Park, Pinewood Road SE, Rochester, Minnesota 55904 (just North of Pinewood Elementary) [MAP]

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.
Event begins at    9:00 a.m.

Register by phone: 507-424-4601, or visit the local ACS office in person at 2900 43rd Street NW Suite 350, Rochester, MN 55901 [MAP]

This first-ever in Rochester event provides valuable contributions to the American Cancer Society, and offers a testament to the care and love shared between dogs and families.

Participants are invited to set up fundraising tables

Schedule

8:00 AM – Registration Begins
9:00 AM – Opening Ceremony & Blessing of the Animals.  All participating and non-participating canines are invited to attend.
9:15 AM – Bark For Life begins Canine and human cancer survivors lead the 1.0 mile walk.
10:00 AM – Activities, Food, & Entertainment. Have fun and make new friends!

Important Information:

• All dogs must be on leashes. Dogs without a leash will not be allowed to participate in the event.
• All donations support cancer research and cancer patient services in Olmsted County.
• Registration Fee = $10 per dog.

Registration Form [PDF]
Printable Flyer [PDF]