Relay For Life is closing in on goal

By Diane Graff of the Daily Times staff
Monday, August 13, 2007 12:50 PM CDT

The 14th annual Relay For Life in Watertown is closing in on its goal of raising $93,000 for the American Cancer Society.

The relay was held Friday and Saturday at the Watertown High School track.

As of 11:30 a.m. Saturday, the total collected was $92,500, according to Chairwoman Donna Niay. “And we still have pledges coming and people making donations,” she added.

“I am positive we will make goal,” Niay said.

In the past 22 years, funds raised from Relay For Life has helped the American Cancer Society save lives through expanding research, provided greater access to cancer information, passed legislation to protect public health and provided access to health care, and offered programs and services to cancer patients and their families.

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The relay event in Watertown was fabulous, Niay said. The 18-hour-relay concluded at 10 a.m. Saturday, when about 50 participants took the final lap on the high school track.

There were 39 teams that participated in this year's event. The theme was “Take Action Against Cancer/Produce a Cure.” Decorations for campsites were based on action movies.

The highlights this year included visits from mascots that both children and adults enjoyed and the survivors ceremony that was very emotional, Niay said.

Diane Dondlinger was this year's honorary chairman of the event and Dr. John Noon, formerly of Watertown, spoke at the ceremony Friday night. “Dondlinger was so excited to be the honorary chairwoman,” Niay said. She encouraged everyone to celebrate life and always appreciate and cherish one's family.

About 10 mascots visited the relay, providing high-fives and boosted the morale of the participants.

The hour of hope was also a successful fund-raiser this year, Niay pointed out. Local businesses could sponsor an hour on the track for a $25 donation. During that time, commercial spots were announced, the chairwoman explained. The activity raised $2,500 for the cancer society.

The luminary ceremony was a very popular part of the relay. People were still purchasing the small tea -lite bags Friday night up until the start of the ceremony.

Other fund-raising activities included a fish fry, pancake breakfast, raffle and silent auction.

American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Watertown was sponsored by The Custom Shoppe, Eaton Corporation, Watertown Memorial Hospital, River City Distributing and M&I Bank.