Download Dear Name - Relay For Life

AAmerican Cancer Society
RRelay For Life of Oswego/Montgomery
FFrequently Asked Questions for Team Captains
When is my Relay?
Opening ceremonies begin at 6 pm. Team setup time will be communicated to you during Team
Rallies.
How do I build my team?
Teams are composed of 12-15 members and participants can come from anywhere. Finding people
to join your team is easier than you think. Ask your friends, family members, co-workers, gym
buddies, people at your faith-based organization, your hairdresser, your mechanic, teachers at your
child’s school, PTA members and so on. Consider every person you come into contact with on a
daily, weekly or monthly basis. Then make a commitment to ask them to help fight cancer.
How much money am I expected to raise?
Most teams raise at least $2,000 - $2,500, depending on their fundraising experience; however, we
have teams that reach levels as high as $10,000 to $20,000 +. Each team is different but based on the
$100 per person the $1000 level is achievable; every dollar raised makes a difference. But the more
funds you raise, the more lives you help save. Please aim high with your fundraising goals and work
to raise at least $100 per team member – so much is at stake!
Do Luminaria count toward my fundraising goal?
Luminaria are considered a memorial by the American Cancer Society and aren’t counted as part of
a team’s fundraising. They are, however, an inspiring way to celebrate the lives of those lost to the
disease, offering hope in a unique and meaningful way.
What are some ways my team can raise money?
Your Captain Team Packet includes a brochure with fundraising ideas to help get you started. You’ll
also glean new ideas from other team captains at your monthly Team Rallies and monthly ideas from
Fundraising Fridays on the 2nd Friday of each month. Some teams organize bake sales and car
washes. You can also raise money the day of the event by selling food or crafts or hosting a game at
your tent site. Your team Website is another way to raise funds – especially by connecting to out-oftown family and friends. By incorporating team, individual and online fundraising, you can impact
the fight against cancer. Make sure you are promoting your fundraiser in your community.
Where does the money go that’s raised at Relay? How are these funds helping fight cancer?
The stakes have never been higher during these economically challenging times. Relay For Life
contributions help fund the American Cancer Society’s investment in groundbreaking research and
education programs that highlight cancer prevention and early detection. Additionally, dollars raised
through Relay enable the Society to offer free programs and services that help people with solid,
credible information, practical, day-to-day help and emotional support to face their diagnosis with
courage and optimism.
Fox Valley Regional Office 143 First Street, Batavia, IL 60510 630-879-9009
What is a Team Rally? What if I can’t attend a scheduled meeting?
Team Rallies are open to all members and offer a chance to learn about the American Cancer
Society and Relay For Life. Team Rallies will be listed on the event website with the dates and
location.
If you can’t attend one of the meetings, please plan to send a team member in your place.
What is a tent site? Why is it important?
Teams are asked to have one member walking on the track at all times during Relay. We realize that
team members who aren’t walking may need a break – maybe even a nap. That’s why teams bring
tents, sleeping bags and even campers to be more comfortable and to stay together as a group at
Relay. (Note: These items are not provided by the American Cancer Society.) Campsite set up will
be communicated at team captain meetings.
What if I can’t stay overnight at Relay?
We understand that people have prior commitments that need to be honored. However, the thought
behind Relay For Life is that “cancer never sleeps,” which is why we walk all night. The way you
feel in the morning after walking all night is the way many cancer patients feel after a good night of
sleep during treatment. For those who do stay all night, there will be plenty of good food for
purchase along with fun, games and entertainment. Many teams assign walking schedules around
team members availability so that going to other functions are possible and be able to participate on
the team.
How do we turn in our fundraising money to the American Cancer Society?
There are several ways. First, is “Bank Night.” During the weeks leading into your Relay you can
drop off funds at a pre-designated location. In doing so, you’ll also have the opportunity to pick up
your event t-shirts for all members that have reached the $100 level in donations. Though we
encourage you to turn in all team money at Bank Night (prior to Relay), teams can still fundraise
after they’ve turned in money at Bank Night. Bank Night is set up to reduce the amount of money
on-site at Relay for safety purposes, but some teams still turn in money at Relay. All members
turning donation in at the event may pick up their team members t-shirts after visiting the bank.
Money may also be mailed or dropped off to the American Cancer Society anytime after Relay until
August 31, 2010 and the amount will be added to your team’s total.
What if I add members to my team or some members drop out?
Relay teams can be up to 15 members in size. If members join or leave your team, please make the
corrections on your teams website www.relayforlifeosmo.com Please also contact your American
Cancer Society staff partner, Maggie Kluck at 630-879-9009 or [email protected] to update
your team roster.
Is there anything else I can do?
Good help is always needed! The Steering Committee for Relay For Life has many positions
available and can always use more hands. Please contact Maggie at 630-879-9009 or
[email protected] if you or someone you know is interested in joining the committee.
On behalf of cancer patients and their loved ones everywhere, thank you for making a difference at
Relay For Life.
Fox Valley Regional Office 143 First Street, Batavia, IL 60510 630-879-9009