Saint Mary’s invites public to Relay for Life March 18-19

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Colleges Against Cancer group invites the community to its 2011 Relay for Life — to be held 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, March 18-19, in Saint Mary’s Gostomski Fieldhouse.

Teams comprised of friends, families and co-workers will join together for this fundraising effort, which celebrates people who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and provides an opportunity to fight back against the disease.

Last year more than 250 people participated in the event which raised more than $20,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Team members will spend the night walking around SMU’s indoor track from dusk to dawn to represent the 24-hour fight against cancer. Each team raises money for the American Cancer Society. This year’s theme is based on the American Cancer Society’s slogan; “Imagine a World with More Birthdays. I’m Making it Happen.”

Activities planned through the night include a silent auction, bingo, and other birthday-party themed games such as musical chairs, a piñata and 'pin the tail on the donkey. Performances by a student band and the SMU Dance Team are also planned.

If you are thinking about creating a team; if you would like to come and support the American Cancer Society’s efforts; if you would like to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those you have lost; or if you would like to be recognized as a survivor and have your success celebrated, come to this event. Participants are welcome to stay for as much or as little as their schedules allow.

To sign up, go to www.relayforlife.org/smu. The deadline to be part of SMU’s Relay for Life is Friday, Feb. 25.

For more information, contact Kaitlin Wermerskirchen at kmwerm07@smumn.edu.