Download Dear Name - Relay For Life

American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Knox County
Team Captain Frequently Asked Questions
When is my Relay?
From 4:00 p.m on Friday, July 22nd to 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 23rd at Knox College. Campsite set up
begins any time after Noon on Friday.
How do I build my team?
Teams are generally 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 some teams
reach levels as high as $10,000. Each team is different, but based on the $100 per person recommendation,
the $1,000 level is achievable. Every dollar makes a difference, and 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!
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 Captain meetings and monthly
“Fundraising Fridays” e-mails – sent the 2nd Friday of each month. In addition, 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 outof-town family and friends. By incorporating team, individual and online fundraising, you can impact the
fight against cancer. Be sure to promote your fundraisers within your community – if you have a unique
fundraising activity planned, be sure to reach out to local newspapers and other media outlets.
Where does the money go that’s raised at Relay? How do these funds help fight cancer?
The stakes have never been higher when it comes to fighting cancer. People are still struggling
economically and cancer is still hurting the ones we love. That’s why we’re grateful for your Relay support.
Relay For Life contributions help fund the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives and create more
birthdays by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures and by fighting back. We’re able to
continuing helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by
being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; finding cures through investment in
groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by
rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
What is a Team Captain’s meeting? What if I can’t attend a scheduled meeting?
Team Captain’s meetings are open to all members and offer a chance to learn about the American Cancer
Society and Relay For Life. All Team Captain Meetings will be held the 2nd Monday of each month at 5:30
p.m. at the Galesburg Library. If you can’t attend one of the meetings, please send a team member in your
place.
What is a camp/tent site?
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 begins any time after Noon.
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
attending other functions are possible in addition to team participation.
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 tshirts 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. Money may also be mailed or dropped off to the American Cancer
Society anytime after Relay until August 26th, 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 contact your
American Cancer Society staff partner, Heather Sparks at 800-322-4337, option #3 or at
[email protected] to update your team roster.
What else can I do to help?
Good help is always needed! The Steering Committee for Relay For Life has many positions available and
can always use more hands. Please contact Anne Giffey at 343-2689 or Melinda Hale at 343-3199 if you or
someone you know is interested in joining the committee.
On behalf of cancer patients and their loved ones, thank you for
helping create a world with more birthdays by participating in the
American Cancer Society Relay For Life.
American Cancer Society
Northwest Region
3727 Blackhawk Rd, Suite 101
Rock Island, IL 61201