Doane/Saline County Relay for Life aims to break fundraising record, spread message of hope

CRETE, NE — Friday night, people at Doane and around southeast Nebraska will raise money in the fight against cancer.

The campus is hosting their annual Relay for Life event that evening. Doane student and Relay for Life Fundraising Committee Chair Jaelynn Scott says help for the event is coming in from all over.

"We go into Dorchester, Milford, some Lincoln areas, Seward, places like that," Scott said of the fundraising efforts leading up to the event. "Just anyone we can get to help out, we try to contact everyone we can to get as much community support as we can."

Last year’s event brought in over $30,000. This year, the goal is $35,000. And all that fundraising work Scott and her team have put in so far has paid off. Heading into the event Friday, they've already brought in over $19,705 putting them over halfway to their goal.

All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. Doane’s Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Service Nick Knopik says the message is worth more.

"Having survivors and caregivers speak from our community speak at the event is one of the most special pieces of Relay," Knopik said. "You'll see at any Relay event, caregivers and survivors there are honored. We'll certainly do that this week."

A big part of that will be having speeches given by area residents who have battled and survived cancer.

"For those of us who are there to support those in our lives who may be survivors or caregivers, it's really a message of hope I would say," Knopik said. "We really lean on our community to provide that hope."

Scott attended her first Relay for Life last year. It left quite the impression on her.

"I have family members who have been affected by cancer, but to be able to hear about that first-hand experience that some of the survivors and caregivers have experienced was really tear-jerking for me," Scott said.

Organizers are hoping to have 600-800 people attend this year. The night gets started at 6 p.m. at the Fuhrer Fieldhouse and includes a variety of performances and games and the all important survivor ceremony.

"But knowing they do have that support and they're not alone is really just touching," Scott said. 

If you would like to sign up or cannot make it and would like to donate, click here. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

6 p.m. - Opening Ceremony
6-11:15 p.m. - Team Tables
6:15-8:45 p.m. - Kids Game Area Open
6:30 p.m. - Gold Star Martial Arts Performance
6:30-8:30 p.m. - Silent Auction baskets
6:45 p.m. - POYDS (local dance studio) Performance
7:15 p.m. - Vocal Performance by Doane Student Julia Ramirez
7:30 p.m. - Survivor and Luminaria Ceremony
9:30 p.m. - Announce Basket Winners/Frozen T-Shirt Contest
10 p.m. - Dodgeball Tournament
10-11 p.m. - Glowga
11 p.m. - Spelling Bee
11:15 p.m. - Relay Races
11:45 p.m. - Closing Ceremony