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The 2022 Relay for Life of Fillmore County held in Fountain on August 19 exceeded its self-imposed goal of $50,000.
“I’m so very proud of everyone who contributed to this year’s Fillmore County Relay for Life. Despite the multiple rounds of storms, we still had a great turnout and exceeded our fundraising goal. Fillmore County puts on one of the best Relays around all because of the passionate and dedicated team leaders and volunteers. Together we are making a difference for everyone who has been affected by cancer,” shared Chair Colleen Foehrenbacher.
Fillmore County raised $52,556 for cancer research, and the money continues to come in. When it comes to raising funds, Fillmore County ranks in the top 10 compared to other counties of comparable size.
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The American Cancer Society created Relay for Life, a fundraiser at the county level to raise money for cancer research. Foehrenbacher shared none of the funds raised stay in the county and that 70% of the funds raised goes to cancer research.
This year’s event drew 15 teams, raising a total of $49,353. The top three teams, Major Heroes, C.H.R.I.S., and Ramblin’ Rosebuds, raised over $31,846.
The top participant, Marilyn Schreier raised a total of $5,895, followed by Chris Hansen, who raised $2,897, and Karen Brown raised $2,706.
This year’s Relay for Life of Fillmore County’s theme is appropriately named “Sinking Cancer” as Fountain is recognized as the “Sinkhole capital of U.S.”
The Relay started with the Survivor Tea at Fountain Lutheran Church, followed by the opening ceremony. This year’s guest speaker was Harmony father and business owner, Matt Brown, who shared the story of his young daughter Gabby, and her battle with cancer.
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A loop in the downtown area included the main street was marked off for the walkers with the last lap at 11:20 p.m. Luminarias, a decorated paper bag with names and pictures of a loved one or a friend that lost their battle with cancer could be purchased to light the way for the walkers. Signs along the routes can also be purchased.
The teams raise funds before the event and other fundraising activities were held at sites throughout the community. The community dinner was held from 5-7 p.m. at the community center. All the supplies were donated for the dinner; therefore, all the proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.
Colleen Mulvihill, a cancer survivor and caretaker who lost her husband and son to cancer, shared, “It is a good event. There are people who are really committed. The meeting room at the fire station was packed with things for the silent auction.” All the proceeds from the silent auction will go to the American Cancer Society.
The city park was the venue for most of the activities. There were yard games and arts and crafts, and kids activities set up in the park. Attendees could play bingo at the community center, and it would not be a community celebration without live music.
The host town holds the Relay two years in a row, and then it moves to the next host town in the county. Fountain will host Fillmore County’s 2023 Relay for Life in July next year.
Organizers are already planning the 2023 Relay and are asking Facebook friends to vote on next’s year theme, “Every step brings hope,” “Hope is here,” or “Fight with your light.”
Now is the time to think about creating a team for next year and deciding on a team name and logo.
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