Relay for Life committee planning events, signup and luminaria drives

With less than five months to go until the local Relay for Life is held, its committee is going into full swing with planning large events surrounding the event.

The Relay for Life of North Central Montana Committee held its first meeting of the year Monday at Gram’s Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe.

Committee members discussed hosting a free-will donation “Kick Off Social” in Havre in March followed by a survivor’s dinner, specifically for cancer survivors and their caregivers, in late May or early June.

Committee member Donna Tilleman said that these dinners will help bring some awareness of the event in addition to raising money needed for the relay.

The cancer awareness and fundraiser events had been a staple in north-central Montana for years, but none were held last year.

Organizers last year said problems arose while the state organization underwent some changes, but said they would bring the relay back this year.

The committee Monday discussed printing a form to use for luminaria, candles that are lit in honor of people whose lives were touched by cancer, as well as a survivor’s form in local newspapers as the event draws closer. The forms could be cut out of the paper, filled out and mailed to Debra Bradley at P.O. Box 2365, Havre, MT 59501.

Tilleman said cancer survivors need to fill out the survivor form if they are not already registered with a team. She said they need these forms to create a database of the survivors for the event.

The relay is set for June 28 in Chinook, Tilleman said, adding that the committee may be changing their meetings to twice a month.

The committee also discussed the food and entertainment at the relay, saying Warren Keough will be the DJ, and the committee is looking for a host for the dinner that night.

Tilleman said cancer survivors eat free at the event while other participants will have to pay $5 for their meal.

Free-will donations will also be accepted.

The committee said the Chinook Chamber of Commerce is allowing the relay to use its tent, chairs and tables.

Tilleman added that the relay is also looking for potential speakers for the Relay for Life. All interested people should contact Tilleman at [email protected] or 265-6507.

The committee talked about signing up teams for the relay, with a goal of at least 10 teams from Havre, Chinook and the surrounding area.

Teams are encouraged to raise at least $100, although it is not a requirement to participate. All of the money raised goes to the American Cancer Society, which donates the money to local programs, research, transportation, lodging and wigs for those in need.

Teams that raise the $100 will receive Relay for Life shirts.

Committee members said our teams in Chinook have signed up for the event.

Tilleman said that during the five months before the relay, committee members will be in both the Havre and Chinook areas selling luminaria and providing signup sheets for teams.

People interested in setting up teams can contact Bradley at 399-3669 or Tilleman at the contacts listed above.

The committee set its next meeting at the Chinook Eagles Club Thursday, Feb. 21, at 6:30 p.m.