N.E.REGION – The Relay For Life programs in Roscommon County and Crawford County have come to a close after 24 years of high impact. But the passion and cancer fighting efforts are getting STRONGER for a new initiative unique to northern Michigan. The two counties have worked to form a new collaborative effort that unites strong volunteers from both communities to continue the grass roots level advocacy of Relay For Life’s mission.
Beginning immediately, The Northern Lights of Hope will merge the two events together for a freshly designed program. Unlike Relay For Life, the signature fundraising event of the American Cancer Society, Northern Lights of Hope provides more flexibility for volunteers to raise funds their way. There will no longer be a 12-24 hour walk taking place in either community, however survivors, caregivers, supporters and sponsors will have the opportunity to attend shorter and separate events throughout the fiscal year.
The change was prompted after nearly a decade of declining community participation in the Relay For Life Events. With a strong desire to keep fundraising efforts and cancer survivorship celebrations intact, area volunteers began to explore new possibilities. The group started building the program in the fall of 2019 and on February 5, 2020 charter members gathered together as a whole to begin putting an active plan into action. The group fully expects to have more information to share in the second quarter of 2020 with careful planning and building in full swing.
Part of the Northern Lights of Hope initiative is giving the ability to have individuals fundraise on their own time in the manner that they see fit. The other part is designing quarterly initiatives that unite the individuals as a group to provide the communities with exciting new ways to engage with the mission and fundraising efforts.
Events that guests have come to love such as the Luminaria Ceremony to remember loved ones and the Cancer Survivor and Caregiver Recognition will still be incorporated into the planning efforts. These two events will likely stand alone and are fully expected to be supported both by the valued and hope inspiring survivors as well as faithful sponsors. Details will be released to the public and our supporters through media, social media and mailings.
Local fundraisers such as the Fred’s Lobster Boil, Restaurant Give Backs, Trivia Nights, Scrapbooking events and more will continue to be a staple through the incredible volunteer efforts.
For more about the Northern Lights of Hope contact American Cancer Society staff member Trisha Jackson at 989.858.5160 or trisha.jackson@cancer.org. You can find Northern Lights of Hope, American Cancer Society on Facebook or on the web by searching ACS Northern Lights of Hope.
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