American Cancer Society Relay For Life, Utah County

Relay For Life is a community gathering, where everyone can participate in the fight against cancer. We need your help before, during, or after Relay. All talents and interests are welcome!

We need committee members, team captains and sponsors! We need YOU!

Description:
Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of your American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times over-night. This is symbolic in the fight against cancer, since cancer never stops.

Teams raise money thru their fundraising efforts leading upto our event in June. Relay for Life is held early in June and all monies are turned in. This money helps to fund the American Cancer Society's fight against this terrible disease that will effect 1 in 3 people.

We also need committee members to help us organize and prepare for this amazing event that will encompass people, hospitals, and cities from Alpine to Provo.

Sponsors are also welcome. Sponsors are a always a big part of our success and the success in the fight against cancer. All donations are tax-deductible but this is also a wonderful way to support your community.

History:
One person can make a difference. Nowhere is that more evident than with the story of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, which began in Tacoma, Washington, as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.

In the mid-1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office. He decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed—running marathons.

In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles. Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer. That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course.

While he circled the track those 24 hours, he thought about how others could take part. He envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could raise more money to fight cancer. Months later he pulled together a small committee to plan the first team relay event known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.

In 1986, 19 teams took part in the first team relay event on the track at the colorful, historical Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000. An indescribable spirit prevailed at the track and in the tents that dotted the infield.

Contact people:

Gretchen Gardner, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Kandie Brodero, Volunteer Manager, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (801) 372-0507

Languages Spoken: English

Address:

From Alpine To Provo Alpine, UT 84004 (See a map)

Web Site: None specified

Miscellaneous Information

Services
	Raising money for the American Cancer Society
Other common names for this agency:
	Relay For Life, ACS

Last updated on November 9, 2009