By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
Last Thursday evening, the Merrill Relay for Life organization held their annual fundraising kick-off at the Americinn hotel, officially starting their 2019 fundraising season. Many Relay for Life volunteers showed up for some good food and to go over their plans for 2019.
“Relay for Life is a fundraising organization for the American Cancer Society,” said Relay for Life Event Lead Kathy Liberty, “We have a staff partner who works for the American Cancer Society (ACS), otherwise we are all volunteers. We are grouped into teams and we have 10 teams this year. We hold different events throughout the year to help raise money for ACS. Some of our events include monthly bake sales, brat fries during the summer months, cheese and fudge sales and Food sales at Gazebo nights. March is our “kick-off” month, when we get together as a group to officially start our fundraising season. Our goal this year is to raise $40,000.”
Following the provided diner, Check-N-Go presented Kathy with a $2,000 donation check for her teams fundraising efforts.
Later in the evening, volunteers went over their fundraising goals and discussed how their money helps those suffering and recovering from cancer treatments. “This money goes to the ACS for cancer research, cures and more effective treatments. Liberty explains. “The programs includes Breast Cancer Support, TLC Hair Loss and Mastectomy Products, Hope Lodge and Road to Recovery. Hope Lodge provides a free “home away from home” for cancer patients and their caregiver(s) while receiving treatment, according to Liberty. Road to Recovery offers rides to and from cancer treatment appointments. “Our events are open to the whole community. We encourage anyone who is interested in helping cure cancer to join us; and maybe even become a volunteer themselves! Cancer touches so many people, this is one way to give back.”