A Night at the Movies!

This week's Fundraising Friday idea comes from the Relay For Life of Reedsburg, WI.
With the award season upon us, especially the highly coveted Oscars, what a great opportunity to work with your local movie theater! The Fix It Family Team in Reedsburg has set up a night at Star Cinema in Reedsburg where all of the tickets sold throughout the night are sold at a discounted rate and $1 from each ticket will be donated towards the team's fundraising for the Relay For Life! In addition, 10% of the concession stand proceeds will also be donated. To help with publicity, the grocery store and a local restaurant will be distributing fliers for the event 2 weeks prior to help spread the word.
Did you know? Despite having several screening test options available fewer than 50% of eligible adults are screened for colorectal cancer, an inadequate number. Full American Cancer Society screening guidelines are available here.
Happy Relaying!
Midwest Division Relay For Life Business Unit

Vote For Your Favorite Now!

Cast your vote for the 2013 Relay For Life Commemorative Artwork. The winning design will be used on official Relay For Life t-shirts and promotional items.

Advocacy In Action: Wisconsin

January marks the return of lawmakers to state Capitols across the nation. We will be highlighting the potential emergent issues that could impact cancer patients, survivors and the American Cancer Society in each of the Midwest Division’s individual state legislative sessions. Last in the series is Wisconsin. Allison Miller, Wisconsin Director of Government Relations says the advocacy team and volunteers will be working to advance and educate Wisconsinites on series of important cancer-related public policy issues. These issues include; protecting the state’s year old smoke-free air law, working to regulate and curb use of new and evolving tobacco products, especially those that are candy flavored, combatting childhood obesity through increased physical activity and improved nutrition including greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables at school, and protecting access to affordable health care for those insured through Wisconsin’s medical assistance programs. In addition, while Wisconsin is not actively working to implement an online one-stop-shop for buying health insurance, advocates will be educating decision makers, volunteers and the public about the benefits of such a plan as well as the numerous benefits cancer patients, survivors and their families are already enjoying under the new federal health care law. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is your voice at the Capitol creating a world with more birthdays and saving lives. Your voice in the fight is critical. We need your voice in the fight now more than ever, to volunteer go to www.acscan.org/volunteer.

Kiss a Pig!

This week's fundraiser comes from Chickasaw County, IA! Here is a great example of a fundraiser that could only come from the Midwest! The Latecomers Team lead by co-captains Susan Prosser and Norma Hackman, were looking for a fun and unique way to fundraise for their local Relay For Life. Some of their team members worked for a local company, Lynch Livestock, and graciously accepted to participate in a Kiss the Pig Contest! There were several contestants including the company's owner who participated during the three week contest. For every $1 donation in your favorite contestant's name, they received 1 vote. Of course many people gave much more than $1 to see their favorite co-worker or neighbor get a chance to the kiss the pig. They promoted the event online through the Relay For Life event website, posters, newspaper, and the local radio station promoted it heavily. The event raised over $5,700 and they already have plans to make it bigger and better in 2012.
Did you know? In the United States, the American Cancer Society invests more than $130 million on cancer research each year and has invested more than $3.6 billion in cancer research since the program began in 1946.
Happy Relaying!
Midwest Division Relay For Life Business Unit

Advocacy In Action: Iowa

January marks the return of lawmakers to state Capitols across the nation. We will be highlighting the potential emergent issues that could impact cancer patients, survivors and the American Cancer Society in each of the Midwest Division’s individual state legislative sessions. Next up in the series is Iowa. According to Government Relations Director Peggy Huppert, early indications point toward possible bi-partisan cooperation on big issues like reform of the mental health system, K-12 education and property taxes. Since it is an election year, legislators are interested in accomplishing a few popular things and then adjourning so they start campaigning. Advocates will continue to push for including casinos in our popular smoke-free air law. Work will also continue on establishing a state health insurance Exchange and addressing the issue of radon. Finally, we will try to increase funding for tobacco control programs in the wake of a 65 percent cut passed in the last legislative session. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is your voice at the Capitol creating a world with more birthdays and saving lives. Your voice in the fight is critical. We need your voice in the fight now more than ever, to volunteer go to www.acscan.org/volunteer.