Courtesy photo The 2009 American Cancer Society Upper Missouri Relay for Life receives an award for being ranked as of the top 10 per capita events in the nation for its division. Pictured are accounting/registration/on-line chair Amy Wells, relay store chair Rita Kolden, event chair Katie Wyman, team development chair Pam Stromme, community relationship manager for the American Cancer Society Laurie Odden and committee member Stephanie Tangedal.
“It felt shocking,” she said. “It was very exciting.”
She said the award, which was presented to the group on Jan. 14, made her feel proud to be part of a community that stands by the organization. According to a press release from the group, The Upper Missouri Relay For Life, held in Williston, competes in the division of counties with a population of 15,000 “ 19,999 residents.
Last year’s event saw 36 teams bring in $160,387, for a per capita total of $8.22.
The award is not the only prize the group has been able to bring to the area. The group also took first place per capita for the Society’s Great West Division, which is comprised of 12 western states.
Though the group has raised a great deal of funding to support cancer research, Upper Missouri Relay for Life is looking to do even better this year.
“It inspires us to keep the same goals and try to win again,” event chair Katie Wyman said.
One goal the group hopes to surpass is the amount of teams involved in the fundraising effort.
“Our goal is 40 teams,” Wyman said.
Currently, 12 teams are registered which Wyman said is a good sign prior to the group’s “big kick-off” at 7 p.m. on March 3 at the Williston Community Library.
The meeting is open to anyone who wishes to attend, including present and former team captains and members, and anyone who wants to get involved in the effort.
The group is also planning to increase the funds raised in the initiative by bringing in a minimum of $163,000 this year.
The highlight of the fundraiser is the relay July 30-31 at the Cutting Field in Williston.
At the event, teams walk in support of those whose lives have been affected by cancer.
For more information on becoming involved with this summer’s American Cancer Society Upper Missouri Relay For Life, call Katie Wyman at 570-7350 or visit the group’s Web site at uppermissourirelay.org.
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