Fundraiser does well per capita

Freeborn County ranked fourth in the nation in 2012 for the amount of money raised per capita for the Relay for Life fundraiser, according to local officials.

The county ranked eighth in 2011.

“This is quite the accomplishment for Freeborn County,” said Co-Chairwoman Vicki Manges during a local Relay for Life committee meeting Monday night.

Local residents donated about $193,000 in 2012, with $44,000 alone coming from the Freeborn County Bike-A-Thon, Manges said.

The ranking comes from dividing the amount of money earned by the number of people who live here.

The Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event of the year and aims to draw survivors and the community together to raise awareness about cancer and support for research. Money raised goes to support cancer research, clinical trials, a call center for cancer patients, a visitation program for breast cancer patients, free lodging for patients undergoing treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, among others.

Locally, the event is held at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds and incorporates people of all ages who come together for 12 hours for the same cause. Participants take turns walking around a track surrounded by luminarias dedicated to people who have fought cancer.

There were more than 5,000 Relay for Life events across the country in 2011, said Rick Jeddeloh, with community relations for the Midwest division of the American Cancer Society.

Of the money raised, an average of 80 percent stays local, Jeddeloh said.

Local Relay for Life officials hope to raise $193,500 in 2013.

 

Freeborn County Relay for Life in 2012:

• 2 people received financial assistance from the American Cancer Society.

• 39 people received information from patient navigators or called the 24-hours a day, 365 days a year phone number. Navigators assist cancer patients and their families find local resources.

• 7 people were provided transportation to and from their treatments, which totaled 106 rides.