Fun with a purpose: Carnival funds fuel fight for life
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RONAN – Families and fun-seekers braved the brutal cold for a good cause Saturday, raising funds at the first-ever Relay for Life carnival at the Ronan Community Center. Smiles and laughter filled the room, as seven teams from Ronan, Charlo, and Polson hosted fun-filled games for carnival-goers to explore.
Relay for Life chair member Joyce Kackmann explained the carnival is an attempt to try a new event to bring new life to the well-known foundation.
“This is a new adventure for us, we’re trying new things to get the community involved, and draw larger crowds,” she said.
Kackmann became involved with Relay six years ago, supporting family members who have been diagnosed with cancer. “My mom had breast cancer for 35 years,” she said. “I do this for her so that someday we can eradicate cancer.”
Kackmann, along with team development chair member Elaine Cramer, coordinated the event Saturday, and is responsible for all Relay for Life fundraisers in Lake County.
The Relay teams hosted a variety of games, including bingo, face-painting, coconut bowling, and a cupcake walk to name a few.
Funds were raised through ticket sales. One to two tickets were required to play a game.
The funds raised throughout the year help in many different areas for the fight against cancer.
According to Relay for Life, $130 million dollars are invested annually towards cancer research nationwide.
Relay dollars also support the publishing of educational materials, and the promotion of programs for early detection and prevention of cancer.
“The goal is for each team member to come up with $100 during the year,” Kackmann said. “The money each team raises today will go toward their fund.”
St. Luke Community Hospital’s team was present at the event, as they are actively involved year-round for Relay for Life.
“St. Luke does fundraisers every other week for Relay for Life,” St. Luke Community Hospital employee Brenda Olsen said.
“We try to contribute as much as we can,” St. Luke executive assistant Liane Clairmont added, “we have employees donate items that we auction off, along with raffles throughout the year.”
Participant Francis Davidson of First United Methodist Church in Ronan enjoys events like the carnival, as he loves to get out into the community and do special things for children.
“We try to do a lot for the kids,” Davidson said. “We have a team every year for the Relay for Life and we love it.”
According to Kackmann, Relay for Life is the largest fundraising event in the nation, with an estimated four million people participating in Relay events this year.
The organization’s fundraising efforts are ongoing, providing many opportunities for local residents to get involved. They hold multiple gift basket raffles, along with luminaria sales throughout the year. Luminaria bags are purchased in honor of someone who survived, or passed away from cancer. The bags are decorated with people’s name and placed around the track during the walk. During the event’s luminaria ceremony, lit candles are placed inside the bags while the names of people for whom they are purchased are read.
2011 marks the 16th annual Lake County Relay for Life event, and the first year the event will be held in Ronan. This year’s event will be held June 18-19 at the Ronan Sports Complex. For more information about the relay or how to get involved visit: www.lakecountyrelay.org.
