While its mission remains raising money to cure cancer, Relay for Life of McLeod County has a new name — Stroll for Hope — a new partner — Hutchinson Health Foundation — and a new opportunity — to keep fundraising dollars local.
Celebrating its 40th year, the kickoff for Stroll for Hope participants is 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 4, at Christ the King Lutheran Church. This is the time to learn more about Stroll for Hope, how to form a team and raising money. This year’s goal is $100,000.
“It’s an opportunity to share our mission and what we do,” said Erika Smith, chair of the event leadership team.
While you’re writing down dates, Stroll for Hope is the first Friday in August — 4:30-10:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at Masonic/West River Park in Hutchinson. All your favorite activities will return, including live entertainment and the lighting of luminaria candles.
Smith has been involved with the all-volunteer organization for seven or eight years.
“Cancer is very personal,” she said. “I’m invested.”
Like Smith, team member Jenni Burley got involved because cancer was personal. Her best friend died of the disease.
“It was a year of hell,” she said.
Joining Smith and Burley in planning are Ashley Telecky, Amanda Popp, Linda Gewerth, Kim Karels, Diedra Beilke and Kelly Mickolichek. The group meets throughout the year.
Their mission: Help fund cancer research, enhance and provide supplies/equipment needed for both Hutchinson Cancer Center and Glencoe Regional Health Cancer Center, and help those affected by cancer with the new grant assistance program.
Plans call for developing the criteria for the grant assistance program through this year, with the hope of launching it in early 2025.
Shifting donations from the American Cancer Society wasn’t an easy decision, but the committee preferred keeping funds in McLeod County. This was important to them as many know and have experienced the struggles facing patients and families with a cancer diagnosis.
Partnering with Hutchinson Health Foundation was an ideal fit. The foundation will assist with many aspects of the team’s mission, as well as being a local steward of funds, access to supporting cancer research, help develop future grant assistance to cancer patients and families, while also enhancing the local cancer center.
“Members of the Stroll for Hope are fiercely passionate about supporting cancer patients and their caregivers,” said Rachael Gemuenden, executive director of the Hutchinson Health Foundation. “Their past efforts with Relay for Life are commendable and we are excited about the growth the partnership will bring.”
