American Cancer Society Relay For Life - On-Line Information For Volunteers

ON-LINE INFORMATION FOR RELAY FOR LIFE

* Great Ideas From Great Volunteers *

"There Is No Finish Line Until We Find A Cure...."



CHAIRMANS' CHECKLIST MANUAL AND DARN GOOD IDEAS!
We have updated and combined the Chairmans' Checklist Manual Page and Darn Good Ideas webpages... Every idea we have for the basics of planning your event, as well as making it bigger and better, are found below! THESE IDEAS COME FROM YOU... PLEASE E-MAIL US TO SHARE IDEAS AND ASK QUESTIONS! YOU WILL HELP YOURSELF AS WELL AS OTHER VOLUNTEERS!

BACKGROUND
  • The Chairman's Checklist Manual was originally developed by the Mid-Atlantic Task Force to provide Event Chairs, Staff & their Committes a tool by which to plan Relay. These checklists provide an overview of the things that experienced Relay For Life Chairman & Committee Members feel every event should do (Roles & Responsibilities, Timeline for Committee, & Checklist for Day of Event)...
  • Darn Good Ideas are ideas from around the Relay World that you might find very helpful for your event...
    DOWNLOAD THE WHOLE MANUAL AND DGI's!
  • CLICK HERE to go to a link to download the "The Chairman's Checklist Manual" and "Darn Good Ideas"
    CHAIRS' MANUAL AND DARN GOOD IDEAS FILES LISTINGS (of individual files) SECTION!  Click right below to go directly to that section. This is a COMPLETE LIST OF THE IDEAS AVAILABLE! Check back daily for more sections!
  • Part 1 - INTRODUCTION TO RELAY
  • Part 2 - WHAT IS RELAY FOR LIFE?
  • Part 3 - WHAT IS THE CHAIR'S ROLE?
  • Part 4 - POLICIES AND STANDARDS
  • Part 5 - TOOLS TO ANALYZE YOUR EVENT
  • Part 6 - OVERALL EVENT TIMELINE
  • Part 7 - GOAL SETTING FOR YOUR EVENT
  • Part 8 - VOLUNTEER-STAFF PARTNERSHIP
  • Part 9 - COMMITTEE RELATIONS
  • Part 10 - TEAM RELATIONS & FUNDRAISING
  • Part 11 - CORP. SPONSORSHIP & UNDERWRITING
  • Part 12 - SURVIVORSHIP & LUMINARIA
  • Part 13 - LOGISTICS
  • Part 14 - MARKETING
  • Part 15 - DIVERSITY
  • Part 16 - YOUTH, COLLEGE, & YOUNG ADULTS
  • Part 17 - CANCER CONTROL/MISSION
  • Part 18 - ADVOCACY
  • Part 19 - ENTERTAINMENT & CEREMONIES
  • Part 20 - REGISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING
  • Part 21 - POST-EVENT RESOURCES - THANK YOUS, EVENT CRITIQUE/FEEDBACK FORMS, WRAP UP EVENT TIPS, ETC.
  • Part 22 - ON-LINE RESOURCES - KINTERA/ACSEVENTS.ORG, ACSRELAY.ORG, ETC.
  • Part 23 - OTHER RESOURCES
  • Appendix A - RELAY UNIVERSITY RESOURCES

  • NEW! DETAILED HOW-TO'S FOR PLANNING DIFFERENT TYPES OF EVENTS  Click right below to go directly to detailed instructions for planning sports tournament, a bowl-a-thon, a Mr/Miss Relay Pageant and more... Instructions, flyers, registration forms and other examples are provided courtesy of Relay events that have done it before! DETAILS ON PLANNING A...:
  • SPORTS TOURNAMENT (generic instructions for any type of tournament - Baseball, Bowling, Fishing, Golf, Tennis, etc. and more!)
  • GOLF TOURNEY
  • BOWL-A-THON
  • MOTORCYCLE RALLY/RIDE
  • YARD SALE
  • MR./MISS RELAY PAGEANT/CONTEST
  • BREAST CANCER BINGO
  • LIPSYNC CONTEST
  • SILENT AUCTION




  • Part 1 - INTRODUCTION TO RELAY
  • 01-INTRODUCTION.doc in MS Word - Introduction to Relay For Life.
  • 01-Facts_About_ACS_And_RFL.doc in MS Word - Some great facts about Relay For Life UPDATED Feb 2005!
  • 01-South_Atlantic_RFL_Facts_2006.doc in MS Word - South Atlantic Relay For Life Facts 2006!
  • 01-ACS_Facts_&_Figures_Research_Programs_2006.doc in MS Word - A great document - provides facts and figures about cancer research funded by the American Cancer Society! Thanks to Stacy C. and the Vienna, VA Relay For Life.
  • 01-Where_Money_Goes_How_We_Invest_Your_Contributions.doc in MS Word - Here's a description you can share with potential corporate sponsors on where the money goes.
  • 10-What_To_Do_When_Someone_Says_No.doc in MS Word - Here are some ideas on what to do to get involvement, whether it is donations or involvement.



    Part 2 - WHAT IS RELAY FOR LIFE?
  • 02-What_Is_Relay_For_Life.doc in MS Word - An explanation of what Relay For Life is.



    Part 3 - GETTING STARTED - WHAT ARE THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CHAIR?
  • 03-Getting_Started-What_is_the_Role_Of_The_Chair.doc in MS Word - What Is The Chair's Role?
  • 03-Starting_A_New_Relay.doc in MS Word - Is your event brand new? Here's what experienced Relayers say is most important when you start a brand new event!
  • 03-My_Relay_Is_Struggling-What_Do_I_Do.doc in MS Word - Is your event struggling? Here are some ideas to get your event back on track!!!



    Part 4 - POLICIES AND STANDARDS
  • 04-RFL_National_Standards.doc in MS Word - Here are the National Standards for Relay... Check with your local staff to see if they have been updated.
  • 04-Speaking_Points.doc in MS Word - Relay For Life Speaking Points - This is a great summary about Relay: key points, history, etc.
  • 04-RFL_Dos_And_Donts.doc in MS Word - Relay For Life Do's And Don'ts! A suggested list of Do's and Don'ts you can give to your team captains...
  • 04-Relay Fri-Sat or Sat-Sun.doc in MS Word - Perspective on the + and -'s of holding Relay Fri.-Sat. or Sat.-Sun.



    Part 5 - TOOLS TO HELP YOU CRITIQUE AND ANALYZE YOUR EVENT
  • 05-Feedback_Forms.doc in MS Word - Use this feedback form to find out what volunteers, teams, and others thought of your event!
  • 05-Feedback_Forms_Summary-Example-Howard_County.doc in MS Word - Here is an example of how you can summarize the feedback that your event got!
  • 05-Relay_Event_Critique_Form_Example.doc in MS Word - Relay For Life Event Critique Form - This is a form that the leaders of an event can use to summarize how their event went!
  • 05-Survivor_Feedback_Form.doc in MS Word - Survivor Feedback Critique Form - This is a form that your survivorship committee can give your survivors to get their feedback!
  • 05-Team_Feedback_Form.doc in MS Word - Team Feedback Critique Form - This is a form that your event committee can give your teams to get their feedback!



    Part 6 - OVERALL EVENT TIMELINE
  • 06-Overall_Event_Timeline.doc in MS Word - This outlines what should happen for planning your event when, as a guideline.



    Part 7 - GOAL SETTING FOR YOUR EVENT
  • 07-Goal_Setting.doc in MS Word - Here is a worksheet to think thru what your event goal should be (based on # of teams, $ per team, $ of corporate sponsorship)
  • 07-Goal_Setting_Example.doc in MS Word - Here is an example of the goal setting worksheet, filled out for an event!



    Part 8 - VOLUNTEER-STAFF PARTNERSHIP - Talk to your staff partner about this too... It continues to evolve!
  • 08-Volunteer-Staff_Roles.doc in MS Word - This document provides a guideline on what is owned by ACS Staff vs. the volunteer committee... Remember that event leaders (staff and volunteer) should sit down and figure out who owns what - every event will be different. This will prevent misunderstandings and hurt feelings down the line!
  • 08-Sister_Relay_Partnerships.doc in MS Word - Here is an overview of how to create a "sister" partnership between Relays!!!!
  • 08-International_Links_For_Relay_And_Translations.doc in MS Word - How do you say Relay in other languages? Are you looking for links for Relay internationally? Here's where to look!



    Part 9 - COMMITTEE RELATIONS - How Staff and Chairs can lead, manage, and grow their committees
  • 09-Committee_Relations_R&R.doc in MS Word - The things ACS Staff and Chairs should do to develop a great committee!
  • 09-Committee_Recruitment_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Here are some ideas for recruiting a great committee! Committee Member Recruitment and Responsibilities
  • 09-Sample_Committee_Member_Recruitment_Letter.doc in MS Word - Here is an example of a letter to recruit committee members.
  • 09-Sample_Honorary_Chair_Letter_To_Recruit_Committees_And_Teams.doc in MS Word - Honorary Chairs are great people! They are connected in the community and can do a lot of "heavy lifting" for you in terms of getting people enrolled and involved in Relay For Life! Have them send out this letter as a recruitment tool for committees and teams and sponsors!
  • 09-Relay_Interest_Card.pdf in MS Word - Here is an example of a Card you can have at happy hours, Kickoffs, etc. so that new volunteers can indicate their interest (committee, team captain, volunteer day of, etc.)
  • 09-Committee_Member_Application.doc in MS Word - Here is an example of a Committee Member Application - this is a great way to understand your committee members from the beginning, and figure out the best place for each person.
  • 09-Committee_Member_Profile.doc in MS Word - Here is an example of a Committee Member Profile Form... You can have each of your communitiy members fill this out to see what contacts/interests they have that could be leveraged to find teams, donations, build community relationships, etc.! Thanks to Stacy and the Vienna Relay For Life. Building & Recognizing Your Committee
  • 09-Great_Icebreakers!.doc in MS Word - Here are some icebreakers you can use to build relationships on your committee.
  • 09-Train_The_Trainer-Mark_Horstman.ppt in MS Powerpoint - Some great training (IN MS Powerpoint) on how to ensure your committee members are good trainers; in other words, they do a good job teaching your team captains, volunteers, etc. Thanks to Mark Horstman!
  • 09-Committee_&_Team_Recognition-The_Candy_Game.doc in MS Word - Here is A great way to recognize your committee - The Candy Game, where different types of candy symbolize different things - for example - Nestle Crunch for someone who came thru in a crunch! Defining Committee Responsibilities
  • 09-Event_Charter_Example.doc in MS Word - Here is an example of an Event Charter - it summarizes expectations and roles for your committee... Use this to define "how your committee will behave, and what they are responsible for..."
  • 09-Committee_Member_Responsiblities_Abbreviated.doc in MS Word - Here is a short list of committee responsibilities that can be used to help volunteers figure out what they would be interested in doing/ what their skill fit is. Committee Meeting Agenda and Notes Examples
  • 09-Committee_Meeting_Agenda_Example_Towson.doc in MS Word - Here is an example of an Event Committee Meeting Agenda
  • 09-Committee_Meeting_Notes_Example_Towson.doc in MS Word - Here is an example of an Event Committee Meeting Notes
  • 09-Committee_Meeting_Notes_Example_Warren_OH.doc in MS Word - Here is another example of an Event Committee Meeting Notes thanks to Ruth in Warren, OH!
  • 09-Committee_Meeting_Agenda_Examples_Custom_By_Month.doc in MS Word - Here is great document - it has agendas for each month leading up to your Relay! (from Relay Committee in A Box from RFL National Team)
  • 14-Mini-Relay_In_A_Box.doc in MS Word - How to hold a one hour "skit" that does a pretend Relay For Life event... Great to do at Kickoffs, a Team Captain meeting, or anywhere else you will have a lot of folks new to Relay For Life! Also a great thing to do (in a half hour) at a committee meeting to get people thinking about all the roles they will play!



    Part 10 - TEAM RELATIONS AND FUNDRAISING - How we recruit and work with our team captains, and how we fundraise and ideas on what we can do
    Overall Ideas for Team Recruitment, Retention, and Motivation!
  • 10-Team_Relations_R&R.doc in MS Word - Guidelines for the Team Relations/Recruitment Committee on building a great event - Roles & Responsibilities, Timeline, the basics every event should do, Checklist. Find teams, develop your team captains, etc.
  • 10-Team_Relations_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Ideas for team retention and recruitment...

    Recruiting Teams
  • 10-Sample_Letter_To_Team_Captains-Key_Dates.doc in MS Word - Here is a lettter to send to team captains to remind them of key dates - Team Captains' meetings, when money must be turned in, etc.
  • 10-Sample_Team_&Team_Captain_Recruitment_Letter.doc in MS Word - A letter to recruit teams and team captains.
  • 10-Sample_Team_Recruitment_Letter.doc in MS Word - Another example letter to recruit teams.
  • 10-Team_Relations_Wheel_Of_Fortune_Where_To_Find_Teams.doc in MS Word - A list of places where you might find teams!
  • 10-How_To_Recruit_Team_Captains_&_Teams.doc in MS Word - NEW! Having trouble convincing team captains and team members to be involved? Take a look at this list of ideas on how to hook 'em!
  • 10-Recruitment_Card-Join_The_Relay_Vienna.doc in MS Word - NEW! A simple card that potential volunteers can fill out to tell you what they are interested in doing! Thanks to Stacy and the Vienna Relay For Life!

    Participant Forms
  • Participant_Form.doc - Here's a great Participant Form for your volunteers to use to sign up for Relay! This one can't be modified, so use it for inspiration... The other three below can be modified
  • Participant_Form_Example_2.doc - Here's a great new Participant Form for your volunteers to use to sign up for Relay - thanks to the Grand Bucks Middle School Relay For Life for sharing!
  • Participant_Form_Example_3.doc - Here's another Participant Form for your volunteers to use to sign up for Relay!
  • Participant_Form_Example_4_Waiver_and_Emergency_Contact.doc - Here's another great example from Vinton County, Miss.

    Team Orientation Guidebooks/Team Captain Handbooks
  • 10-Team_Orientation_Handbook_Trumbull_County.doc in MS Word - Here is a team orientation handbook courtesy of Ruth C. and the Trumbull County Relay For Life! Great!
  • 10-RFL_Tm_Captains_Handbk_2003.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - The 2003 Team Captains Handbook. Ask your staff for the latest copy.
  • 10-RFL_Tm_Captains_Handbk_Great_Example.pdf in MS Word - Another great team captain's handbook you can reapply from. Organizing, Motivating and Keeping Your Teams
  • 10-Team_Captain_University.doc in MS Word - An overview of a Team Captain training that you can do for your team captains.
  • 10-Sample_Team_Captains_List.doc in MS Word - A template you can fill out with your team captains and their key info.
  • 10-Team_Captain_Committment_Card.doc in MS Word - A team captain committment card - signed by the captain to confirm the committment to Relay For Life!
  • 10-Team_Cheers.doc in MS Word - Team Cheers that you can use to motivate your team... Lots of great links!
  • 10-Team_Captain_Responsibilities.doc in MS Word - TOP DOWNLOAD!!! A summary of team captain responsibilities.
  • 10-Team_Captain_FAQs_Vienna_Example.doc in MS Word - TOP DOWNLOAD!!! A summary of team captain Frequently Asked Questions! This is great - Thanks to Stacy and the Vienna Relay For Life.
  • 10-Team_Member_Responsibilities in MS Word - for Team Member responsibilities.
  • 10-Team_Spirit_Award_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Ideas for a point based system that recognizes team spirit and gives awards for the teams with the strongest spirit.
  • 10-Team_Building-How_To_Keep_Your_Team_Motivated.doc in MS Word - Ideas on how to keep your team motivated and ways to build the relationships in your team!
  • 19-Team_Walking_Schedule_For_Relay.doc in MS Word - Your team captains can use this document to schedule all their walkers - customize it by indicating the times when the Relay is starting and stopping and when the ceremonies are (times no one would be walking)... Thanks to Stacy C. and the Vienna VA Relay For Life!

    Campsites, Team Names, Team Themes, Team Walking Schedules For The Event
  • 19-Campsite_Ideas_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Here are some great ideas for campsites!
  • 19-Team_Themes_&_Names_DGIs.doc in MS Word - TOP DOWNLOAD!!! Here are some great ideas for team themes and team names out there from all over!
  • 13-Team_Day_Of_Checklist_DGI.doc in MS Word - TOP DOWNLOAD!!! The things a team should bring the day of the event - make sure you share with your teams!
  • 19-Team_Walking_Schedule_For_Relay.doc in MS Word - Your team captains can use this document to schedule all their walkers - customize it by indicating the times when the Relay is starting and stopping and when the ceremonies are (times no one would be walking)... Thanks to Stacy C. and the Vienna VA Relay For Life!
  • 19-Team_Walking_Schedule_For_Relay_Example_2.xls in MS Excel - Your team captains can use this document also to schedule all their walkers - customize it by indicating the times when the Relay is starting and stopping and when the ceremonies are (times no one would be walking)... Thanks to Cindy and the Chugiak River Relay For Life, Alaska

    Tips for Being A Team Captain
  • 10-Starting_A_Team.doc in MS Word - Here are tips for starting a team...
  • 13-Team_Day_Of_Checklist_DGI.doc in MS Word - TOP DOWNLOAD!!! The things a team should bring the day of the event - make sure you share with your teams!

    Team Captains' Meetings/Bank Nights
  • 10-Bank_Night_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Here is a list of Darn Good Ideas for Bank Night
  • 10-Suggested_Team_Captains_Meeting_Agenda.doc in MS Word. A Simple But Effective Team Captains Meeting Agenda!
  • 10-Team_Captains_Meeting_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Ideas to make your team captains' meetings better.
  • 14-Mini-Relay_In_A_Box.doc in MS Word - How to hold a one hour "skit" that does a pretend Relay For Life event... Great to do at Kickoffs, a Team Captain meeting, or anywhere else you will have a lot of folks new to Relay For Life!

    Fundraising
  • 10-What_To_Do_When_Someone_Says_No.doc in MS Word - Here are some ideas on what to do to get donations and get people involved.
  • 10-Fundraising_for_Kids_&_Youth_From_A_to_Z.doc in MS Word - Here are fundraising ideas from A to Z for Kids/Youth!
  • 10-Fundraising_Letter_To_School_Parents_Coins_For_A_Cure.doc in MS Word - Here is a letter you can send to parents on a Coins For A Cure Drive at your kids' school - thanks to Stacy C. and the Vienna VA Relay For Life!
  • 10-Fundraising_From_A_to_Z.doc in MS Word - TOP DOWNLOAD!!! Here are fundraising ideas from A to Z!
  • 10-Fundraising_Ideas_Training_Packet_Region_6.doc in MS Word - Here are some more fundraising ideas... With a basic guide for raising $500 in 10 days, a $1 donation checklist to raise
  • 10-Fundraising_Letters_Examples_DGIs.doc in MS Word - TOP DOWNLOAD!!! Here are several examples of letters that can be used for fundraising!
  • 10-Fundraising_Letter_Example-No_Show_Benefit_Tea.doc in MS Word - TOP DOWNLOAD!!! Here is a "greeting card" style card that is a No-Show Benefit Tea Fundraising Card - basically a catchy way to share a fundraising letter with friends and family - check it out!
  • 10-Fundraising_On_Site_DGIs.doc in MS Word. TOP DOWNLOAD!!! Some great ideas on Fundraising on-site!
  • 10-Fundraising_On_Site_Day_Of_Event_Simple_List.doc in MS Word. A simple list of on-site fundraising ideas you can hand out to encourage your teams to hold them as well as to let your committee know what they are doing (to limit duplication of fundraisers - thanks to Stacy C. and the Vienna VA Relay For Life!
  • 10-Time_Or_Talent_DGIs.doc in MS Word. Ideas for Teams to raise money that leverage their special talents...
  • 10-Uses_For_Leftover_Tshirts.doc in MS Word. Here are some creative ways to put leftover t-shirts to work for you!
  • 10-Sample_Top_Ten_Fundraising_Ideas_Vienna.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - A sample list, courtesy of Stacy and the Vienna, VA Relay For Life, of top ten fundraising ideas...
  • 10-Fundraising_Manual_Example Trumbull_County.doc in MS Word - A sample fundraising manual courtesy of Trumbull County Relay For Life and Ruth C.!

    Fundraising Made SIMPLE! Quick tips for your team members that want simple ways to meet and exceed their goals!
  • 10-Fundraising_Made_Simple-My_Fundraising_Action_Plan.doc in MS Word - Here's a great idea from Stacy C. and the Vienna, VA Relay For Life! - A fundraising action plan so your team captains and teams can write down their fundraising plan - those who write out a plan on what they are going to do double their chance of success, it is said!!!!!
  • 10-Fundraising_Raise_Thirty_Dollars_From_Thirty_Friends.doc in MS Word - FOR BEGINNERS/GETTING STARTED - Here's an easy way to raise 30 Dollars from 30 Friends... Give it a shot!
  • 10-Fundraising_Made_Simple-Raise_One_Hundred_Dollars_In_A_Week.doc in MS Word - FOR HELPING YOUR TEAM MEMBERS MEET THEIR GOALS - Here's how to get to your goal of $100 in a week (or whatever time frame you want to do it)!
  • 10-Fundraising_Made_Simple-Raise_Five_Hundred_Dollars_In_Ten_Days.doc in MS Word - FOR YOUR TEAM MEMBERS THAT REALLY WANT TO GO THE EXTRA MILE! - Here's an easy way to raise $500 in 10 days... Great for training teams!

    HOW TO PLAN AND HOLD A - Sports Tournament - Basic tips for planning and holding a sports event - Volleyball, baseball, or anything else you can think of!
  • 10-Bowl-A-Thon_Tips_For_Planning.doc in MS Word - Here are the basics for how to plan a Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser!

    HOW TO PLAN AND HOLD A - Bowl-A-Thon
  • 10-Bowl-A-Thon_Tips_For_Planning.doc in MS Word - Here are the basics for how to plan a Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser!
  • 10-Bowl-A-Thon_Sign_Up_Sheet.doc in MS Word - Here is a sample sign-up sheet for a Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser!
  • 10-Bowl-A-Thon_Sponsorship_Sheet.doc in MS Word - Here is a sample sponsorship sheet for a Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser!

    HOW TO PLAN AND HOLD A - Golf Tournament
  • 10-Golf_Tourney_Tips_For_Planning.doc in MS Word - Here are the basics for how to plan a Golf Tourney fundraiser!
  • 10-Golf_Tourney_Example_Oldsmar_RFL_Sponsorship_Request_Letter.doc in MS Word - Here is a sample sponsorship request letter from Oldsmar RFL thanks to Brandon A!
  • 10-Golf_Tourney_Example_Oldsmar_RFL_Sponsorship_Form.doc in MS Word - Here is a sample sponsorship sheet from Oldsmar RFL thanks to Brandon A!
  • 10-Golf_Tourney_Example_Oldsmar_RFL_Take_A_Swing_Flyer.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - Here is a sample publicity flyer from Oldsmar RFL thanks to Brandon A!
  • 10-Golf_Tourney_Example_Oldsmar_RFL_Take_A_Swing_Flyer.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - Here is a sample registration for - thanks to Allegan County RFL and their Fore Life tournament!

    HOW TO PLAN AND HOLD A - Motorcycle Rally/Ride For Cancer
  • 10-Motorcycle_Ride_Planning_Tips.doc in MS Word - Here are the basics for how to plan a Motorcycle Ride fundraiser!

  • 10-Motorcycle_Ride_Waiver_Form.doc in MS Word - Here is a sample waiver - make sure you get full input and approval from your local American Cancer Society office to prevent any liability!!!!!



    HOW TO PLAN AND HOLD A - Beauty Pageant/Mr. Relay/Miss Relay Contest!
  • 10-Beauty_Pageant_Rules.doc in MS Word - Here are rules/guidlines you can share for a beauty pageant to make sure that people keep it G rated :) and so on!
  • Hillsborough_Relay_Ms_Relay_Registration_Form.doc in MS Word - EXAMPLE - The Hillsborough, NC Relay For Life Registration Form
  • Pittsboro_2006_Miss_Relay_Entry_Form.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - EXAMPLE - The Pittsboro, NC Relay For Life Miss Relay contest entry form
  • Pittsboro_Miss_Relay_biosheet.doc in MS Word - EXAMPLE - The Pittsboro, NC Relay For Life Miss Relay contest sample bio form - for creating a funny biography about the entrant - great idea!

    HOW TO PLAN AND HOLD A - Karaoke Contest/Late Night Lip Sync Contest
  • 10-Karaoke_How_To.doc in MS Word - Here are the basics for how to plan a Karaoke contest!





    Part 11 - CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP AND UNDERWRITING - Here are some great ideas for gaining Corporate Sponsorship and Underwriting of donations, etc.
  • 11-Corporate_Sponsorship-In_Kind_Donations-Underwriting_R&R.doc in MS Word - Roles and Repsonsibilities, the basics every event should do, and a time line for Corporate Sponsorship.
  • 11-Corporate_Fundraising_For_Your_Event_101.doc in MS Word - Darn Good Ideas on where to start if you have having problems getting your corporate fundraising going...
  • 11-How_To_Approach_And_What_To_Say_To_Corporate_Sponsors_Talk_Sheet.doc in MS Word - Talk Sheet on how to approach a potential corporate sponsor
  • 11-Corporate_Sponsorship_Brochure_Examples.doc in MS Word - Examples of Corporate Sponsorship Brochure/Packets/Flyers that you can reapply to setup your corporate sponsorship program (levels of sponsorship, what the sponsor gets, etc.)
  • 11-Sample_Corporate_Sponsor_Request_Letter.doc in MS Word - A sample letter to solicit corporate sponsors.
  • 11-Sample_Corporate_Sponsor_Request_Letter_DelNorteCounty.doc in MS Word - A sample letter to solicit corporate sponsors from Del Norte County! Thanks for Sharing!
  • 11-Sample_Corporate_Sponsor_Request_Letter_Vienna.doc in MS Word - Another sample letter to solicit corporate sponsors from Stacy and the Vienna RFL, Vienna, VA>
  • 11-Business_Donation_Form_&_Contract_Example_Vienna.doc in MS Word - A sample form that lets you confirm how their business will support Relay! Thanks to Stacy and Vienna, VA RFL!
  • 11-NRV_Corp_Sponsor_Thank_You_&_Invoice_Letter.doc in MS Word - Thanks to the New River Valley for sharing this thank you letter to send to corporate sponsors.



    Part 12 - SURVIVORSHIP AND LUMINARIA - Here are some great ideas for survivorship and luminaria.
    Luminaria Handbooks
  • 12-Luminaria_Handbook_2005.pdf in MS Word - A Great Darn Good Ideas for LUminriaaaraa.

    Basic Roles and Responsibilities and Ideas for Survivorship and Luminaria
  • 12-Survivorship_&_Luminaria_R&R.doc in MS Word - Roles and Repsonsibilities, the basics every event should do, and a time line for Survivorship and Luminaria.
  • 12-Example_of_Plan_for_Survivorship.doc in MS Word - A sample plan for Survivorship... It is fantastic! Check it out!
  • 12-Luminaria_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Darn Good Ideas for Luminaria!
  • 12-Survivorship_And_How_To_Keep_Them_Involved_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Darn Good Ideas for how to keep survivors engaged!

    Sample letters, flyers, motivational speeches, Luminaria Order Forms, Survivor/ Reception Registration Forms
  • 12-Motivational_Thoughts_From_A_Survivor.doc in MS Word - Some motivational thoughts from a survivor, to remind you (and your committee) why we do this!
  • 12-Luminaria_Honoree_Letter.doc in MS Word - A letter to send to those honored with Luminaria to let them know... Can also be modified to send to the family or friend of someone who was remembered who lost the battle.
  • 12-Luminaria_Flyer_Spirit_Of_Relay.doc in MS Word - A flyer that explains the purpose of luminaria, and encourages each team to sell 50 luminaria each!
  • 12-Luminaria_Sign_Spirit_Of_Relay.pub in MS Publisher - A sign to post on your track about what luminaria is about.
  • 12-Luminaria_Order_Form_Trumbull_County.doc in MS Word - Thanks to Ruth C. and the Trumbull Relay For Life for this great example of a Luminaria Order Form!
  • Luminaria_Form_Example_General.doc - Here is a Luminaria Form example you can customize
  • Luminaria_Form_Example_Vienna.doc - Here is a Luminaria Form from Vienna, VA - Thanks to Stacy!
  • 12-Survivorship_Registration_Form_Trumbull_County.doc in MS Word - Thanks to Ruth C. and the Trumbull Relay For Life for this great example of a Survivor Reception Registration Form!
  • Survivors_Form.doc - You can e-mail, mail, and distribute this flyer for survivors to sign up for Relay, your Survivor's Reception, and to walk in the Survivor's Lap

    Luminaria Database and Powerpoint Name Scrolll- An Excel sheet you can load all your names into, and two Powerpoint presentations you can automatically export the Excel spreadsheets to. Allows you to create "scrolling" presentations of names at Relay, if you are computer inclined and wish to do so! Thanks to Lesley E. and John C. for these great resources!
  • 12-Luminaria_Database_1_Master_Relay_Luminaria_Data_Entry.xls in MS Excel - The master database in Excel where you enter your info.
  • 12-Luminaria_Database_2_PowerPoint_Instructions.doc in MS Word - Instructions on how to get the names in the Excel database above into Powerpoint. Slick!
  • 12-Luminaria_Database_3_In_Honor_Master_Powerpoint.ppt in MS PowerPoint - A beautiful presentation that "scrolls" the names of those who are honored at Relay.
  • 12-Luminaria_Database_4_In_Memory_Master_Powerpoint.ppt in MS PowerPoint - A beautiful presentation that "scrolls" the names of those who are memorialized at Relay.

    Luminaria Reader - An Excel sheet you can load all your names into. It will sort the names into *Groups of 10* that can be read by two readers. Thanks to Steve P. for these great resources!
  • 12-Luminaria_List_0_List_help.doc in MS Word - The instructions for using the Excel file.
  • 12-Luminaria_List_1_List_In_Excel.xls in MS Excel - An excel spreadsheet that has an *input* sheet where you input all the names, a *team data* sheet where you track the # of luminarias by team, and two *reader* sheets which give you print outs for two readers to read the names of the people, 10 at a time.

    Ceremony Darn Good Ideas and Scripts - Luminaria, Opening, Closing, Survivor Lap, and more!
  • 19-Ceremony_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Darn Good Ideas for all the ceremonies - Luminaria, Opening, Closing, Survivors Lap, etc.
  • 19-Music_Suggestions_For_All_Ceremonies.doc in MS Word - TOP DOWNLOAD!!! Here are music ideas for every ceremony - Luminaria, Opening, Closing, Survivors Lap, etc.
  • 19-Opening_Ceremony_&_Survivor_Lap_Script_Example.doc in MS Word - An Opening Ceremony and Survivor Lap script sample!
  • 19-Opening_Ceremony_&_Dedication_To_Someone_Who_Passed_Away_Script_Example.doc in MS Word - A variation on the Opening Ceremony script with a dedication to someone who has passed away from cancer.
  • 19-Opening_Ceremony_Example_2.doc in MS Word - Another Opening Ceremony example.
  • 19-Luminaria_Ceremony_Script_By_Group_Example.doc in MS Word - A Luminaria ceremony script where you read the names by group - "Light your luminaria in honor of a spouse, then sibling, grandparent, child, and so on... Very touching.
  • 19-Luminaria_Ceremony_Script_By_Group_Example_2.doc in MS Word - Another Luminaria ceremony script where you read the names by group - ...in honor of a spouse, then sibling, grandparent, child, and so on... followed by a guest speaker. Thanks to Bev and the Greencastle Relay for Life in Greencastle, Pennsylvania!
  • 19-Luminaria_Ceremony_Script_Read_All_Names_Example.doc in MS Word - A luminaria ceremony script for smaller events that want to read the names of all the people they are honoring....
  • 19-Luminaria_Ceremony_Script_With Chimes_By_Group_Example_3.doc in MS Word - Here is a different example of a luminaria script that uses chimes! Thanks to Becky!
  • 19-Survivor_Lap_Recognition_Slides.doc in MS Word - Slides to recognize survivors and how long since diagnosis, developed by a volunteer... You can use these to "flash" thru the people you are honoring for being survivors...
  • 19-Survivor_Lap_Recognition_Slides_Instructions.doc in MS Word - Instructions for how to use the survivor lap recognition slides above...
  • 19-Closing_Script_Example.doc in MS Word - Closing Ceremony Script example.
  • 12-Luminaria_Poem_Light_Out_Of_The_Darkened_Room.doc in MS Word - A great way to do a Luminaria Ceremony indoors!



    Part 13 - LOGISTICS - Here are some great ideas for logistics.
  • 13-a-c-Logistics_&_Day_Of_Relay_Chklist.doc in MS Word - TOP DOWNLOAD!!! Roles and Repsonsibilities, the basics every event should do, and a time line for Logistics... Also a list of things to bring the day of the event for your committee!
  • 13-Relay_Security_Plan.doc in MS Word - Logistics Darn Good Ideas! How to deal with articifial turf/ a field you cannot put stakes in and other Logistics quesiotns..
  • 13-Logistics-Risk Management.ppt in MS Powerpoint - A training on minimizing and managing risk at your event!
  • 13-Rain&Bad_Weather_Plan.doc in MS Word - Every event needs a Plan "B" for bad weather... Take a look at this template
  • 13-Relay_Security_Procedures_and_Standards.doc in MS Word - A sample of the Relay Security Procedures and Standards... Please ask for the latest. This always keeps our events safe and prevents bad media from a security incident!
  • 13-Relay_Security_Plan.doc in MS Word - A sample security plan for your event.
  • 13-Site_Request_Letter.doc in MS Word - Letter to send to request booking a site!
  • 13-Logistics_Sample_List_Of_Items_Needed.doc in MS Word - A great list thanks to MTSU and Bryan - good to use in conjunction with the site request letter above to specify what you need.
  • 13-Campsite_Request_Form.doc in MS Word - A campsite request form - customize to your event!

  • Some great posters on Cancer Facts that you can line your track with, created by Christopher Maddox of the North County/Hereford Relay in Region 3, just north of Baltimore! 17-Cancer_facts.pdf in Adobe Acrobat... Download Adobe Acrobat if you don't have it to use these great resources!
  • 13-Team_Day_Of_Checklist_DGI.doc in MS Word - TOP DOWNLOAD!!! The things a team should bring the day of the event - make sure you share with your teams!
  • 13-Sample_Site_Diagram.xls in MS Excel - A sample Site diagram from the Towson, MD Relay For Life you can use to plan and layout your event, and put in your program...
  • 13-Sample_Site_Diagram_2_Vienna.xls in MS Excel - A sample Site diagram from the Vienna VA Relay For Life (thanks to Stacy C.)you can use to plan and layout your event, including what teams are in what locations, and put in your program...
  • 13-Sample_Site_Diagram_3_Trumbull_County.pdf in MS Excel - A sample Site diagram from the Trumbull County Relay For Life - Thanks to Ruth C.!

    NOTE: FOR LUMINARIA, OPENING, CLOSING, AND CEREMONY SCRIPTS, SEE PART 19



    Part 14 - MARKETING - Here are some great ideas for marketing - publicizing your event!
  • 14a-b-c-Marketing_R&R.doc in MS Word - Roles and Repsonsibilities, the basics every event should do, and a time line for Marketing
  • 14-Marketing_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Darn Good Ideas for Marketing.
  • 14-Relay_Kickoff_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Darn Good Ideas for planning a great Kickoff for your Relay (usually done the previous fall or right after the holidays for a spring/summer relay)

    Kickoff Tools
  • 14-Relay_Kickoff_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Darn Good Ideas for planning a great Kickoff for your Relay (usually done the previous fall or right after the holidays for a spring/summer relay)
  • 14-Mini-Relay_In_A_Box.doc in MS Word - How to hold a one hour "skit" that does a pretend Relay For Life event... Great to do at Kickoffs, a Team Captain meeting, or anywhere else you will have a lot of folks new to Relay For Life!
  • 14-Flyer_Relay_Kick_Off_Vienna_Example_1.doc - Here is a flyer format for a Relay Kickoff Event... This one is from the Vienna Relay - Thanks to Stacy!
  • 14-Flyer_Relay_Kick_Off_Vienna_Example_2.doc - Here is another flyer format for a Relay Kickoff Event... This one is also from the Vienna Relay - Thanks again to Stacy!
  • 14-Flyer_Relay_Kick_Off_Invite_Vienna_Example_3.doc - Here is an invite to a Kickoff from Vienna again (thanks Stacy!) - its beautiful! Take a look at it!
  • 14-Sample_Kickoff_Agendas_&_Kickoff_Invite_Letters.doc in MS Word - Kickoff agendas based on different *themes* for your kickoff, as well as themed invite letters to go with that.

    Letters, Poems, Media Plans, and other Marketing Tools
  • 14-Relay_Poems.doc in MS Word - Some great poems to motivate your committee, teams, or to use as marketing in your event - for example, you could use one in a program (please make sure you give credit on where it came from...
  • 14-Sample_High_School_Involvement_Recruitment_Letter.doc in MS Word - A letter to send to a school board or high school or other school to get them involved in Relay!
  • 14-Region_3_Relay_Media_Plan.doc in MS Word - A sample media plan from Baltimore MD - thanks to Todd Sullivan!

    Games and Quizzes
  • 14-Relay_For_Life_Trivia_Quiz.doc in MS Word - Here is some Relay For Life trivia! Have fun with it!
  • 14-Relay_For_Life_Crossword_Puzzle.doc in MS Word - Here is a crossword puzzle you can use with your teams to educate them about Relay For Life!
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Road_To_Recovery_Rally.doc in MS Word - Great ideas for a Road to Recovery Rally. Thanks to Stacy & Catherine M. for sharing!
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Scavenger_Hunt.doc in MS Word - Great ideas for a Scavenger hunt. Thanks to Stacy & Catherine M. for sharing!

    Breast Cancer Bingo Instructions, Player Cards, and Call Out Cards
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Breast_Cancer_Bingo_Instructions.doc in MS Word - Here is a task to do with your team captains as a cancer control program. A great idea from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Environmental Health and Suceptibility
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Breast_Cancer_Bingo_Callout_Cards.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - Here are the Bingo Callout Cards - they are wonderful! Again, part of the great idea from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Environmental Health and Suceptibility
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Breast_Cancer_Bingo_Player_Card_1.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - Here is the first Player Card for Bingo... Again, part of the great idea from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Environmental Health and Suceptibility
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Breast_Cancer_Bingo_Player_Card_2.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - Here is Player Card #2 for Bingo... Again, part of the great idea from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Environmental Health and Suceptibility
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Breast_Cancer_Bingo_Player_Card_3.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - Here is Player Card #3 for Bingo... Again, part of the great idea from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Environmental Health and Suceptibility
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Breast_Cancer_Bingo_Player_Card_4.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - Here is Player Card #4 for Bingo... Again, part of the great idea from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Environmental Health and Suceptibility
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Breast_Cancer_Bingo_Player_Card_5.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - Here is Player Card #5 for Bingo... Again, part of the great idea from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Environmental Health and Suceptibility

    Event Programs
  • 14-Event_Program_Example.doc in MS Word - A sample program example that you can reapply!
  • 14-Greetings_From_The_Chairs_Example_For_Event_Program.doc in MS Word. Here is an example of "Letter From The Chairs" you could use in the event program!


    Info Sheets - can be posted or given out to give people an overview of Relay
  • Relay Info Sheet - This is a 1 page info sheet about Relay For Life... Customize for your event! From Ramesh M. and the Towson, MD Relay For Life.
  • Relay Info Sheet - This is a 1 page info sheet about Relay For Life that starts "Because of You... Lives Are Saved!... Very attention getting. Customize for your event! Thanks to Stacy and the Vienna, VA Relay For Life.

    Marketing Flyers - for posting!
  • Relay For Life Open House - Here is a flyer format for a Relay Open House... An open house with extended hours (say on a Saturday) is a great way to invite the community out to become involved - and let them stop by and learn about Relay. This has been an especially effective idea for new events! Thanks to Stacy and the Vienna Relay For Life.
  • 14-Flyer_Relay_Kick_Off_Vienna_Example_1.doc - Here is a flyer format for a Relay Kickoff Event... This one is from the Vienna Relay - Thanks to Stacy!
  • 14-Flyer_Relay_Kick_Off_Vienna_Example_2.doc - Here is another flyer format for a Relay Kickoff Event... This one is also from the Vienna Relay - Thanks again to Stacy!
  • 14-Flyer_Relay_Kick_Off_Invite_Vienna_Example_3.doc - Here is an invite to a Kickoff from Vienna again (thanks Stacy!) - its beautiful! Take a look at it!
  • 14-Flyer_Relay_Casino_Night.doc - Here is an invite to a Relay Casino Night - make sure your local/event/state/division rules allow for a casino night before doing this - Take a look at it!
  • Relay For Life Mini-Poster - A nice looking 8 1/2 x 11 (letter size paper) flyer you can customize and print in color to post about your event...
  • Relay Fundraising Event Flyer - Here is a flyer format for a Relay Fundraiser... This one is from a Bull Roast - thanks to the North County Relay For Life!
  • 14-Flyer_Relay_Rally_Notecard_Vienna.pub - In Microsoft Publisher - A note card to send out about a Relay Rally - thanks to Stacy C. and the Vienna, VA Relay For Life!
  • 14-Flyer_Pizza_Rally_Vienna.pub - In Microsoft Publisher - A flyer for a Pizza Rally fundraiser! - thanks to Stacy C. and the Vienna, VA Relay For Life!
  • 14-Flyer_Relay_Rummage_Sale_Instructions_&_Flyer.doc - In Microsoft Word - A flyer & instructions for holding a Relay Rummage Sale (basically a big garage sale in a central location where all proceeds go to Relay! - thanks to Stacy C. and the Vienna, VA Relay For Life!
  • 14-Flyer_Fundraiser_Salons_Seeking_A_Cure.doc - In Microsoft Word - A flyer for publicizing a salon benefit where the proceeds from haircuts go to Relay! - thanks to Stacy C. and the Vienna, VA Relay For Life!
  • 14-Flyer_Volunteer_At_Relay_For_Life_Vienna.doc - In Microsoft Word - A flyer for to tell folks that you need volunteers the day of Relay and the types of things they can do - thanks to Stacy C. and the Vienna, VA Relay For Life!

    Proclamations and Resolutions, Letters to City Council and Mayors
  • 14-City_Proclamation_For_RFL.doc in MS Word - A proclamation your city could issue supporting Relay!
  • 14-Proclamation_of_ACS_RFL_Day_Template.doc in MS Word - Have your city county or township declare a Relay For Life Day!
  • 14-Senate_Resolution_For_RFL.doc in MS Word - A resolution your state senate could pass supporting Relay!
  • 14-State_Proclamation_For_RFL.doc in MS Word - A state proclamation regarding Relay!
  • 14-Sample_Letter_To_City_Council_Or_Mayor.doc in MS Word - A sample letter to send to your city countil or mayor to invite them to support Relay For Life! Thanks to Aimee B.
  • 14-Power_Of_Purple_Day_Proclamation_For_RFL.doc in MS Word - A proclamation of "Power of Purple" Day for your State, City, or County!

    Audio (Radio) and Video Summaries
  • 14-Sample_PSA-Radio_Spot.doc in MS Word - A sample radio spot for a public service announcement.
  • 14-Video_Summary_of_Reston_Relay_2002.ppt in MS Powerpoint - A video summary of the Reston, VA Relay For Life - thanks to the Reston Relay and Ron Sherman!


    Newsletters  UPDATED - HERE ARE SOME GREAT NEWSLETTER EXAMPLES FROM ACROSS THE NATION!
  • 14-Newsletter_Template.doc in MS Word - The Relay Chat newsletter template that you can fill out, from the National Home Office for Relay For Life!
  • 14-Newsletter_Example_1_Towson.doc in MS Word - A Great Newsletter Example - Towson, MD
  • 14-Newsletter_Example_2_Tallahassee.doc in MS Word - A Great Newsletter Example - Tallahassee, FL
  • 14-Newsletter_Example_3_Vienna.doc in MS Word - A Great Newsletter Example - Vienna, VA
  • 14-Newsletter_Example_4_NorthCounty.pdf in Adobe Acroat - A Great Newsletter Example thanks to Chris Maddox - North Baltimore County, MD
  • 14-Newsletter_Example_5_Pittsboro_RelayRambler-Volume1-Issue6.pdf in Adobe Acroat - A Great Newsletter Example thanks to Suzanne Clark - Pittsboro, NC
  • 14-Newsletter_Example_6_Hillsborough-Orange.pdf in Adobe Acroat - A Great Newsletter Example thanks to Stephanie Brown, Hillsborough/Orange Relay For Life, NC
  • 14-Newsletter_Example_7_Enewsletter_Hillsborough.doc in MS Word - A Great Example of an email newsletter thanks to Stephanie Brown of Hillsborough/Orange Relay For Life, NC... Sending an e-newsletter is a low effort, high impact way of keeping your committee and teams informed!
  • 14-Newsletter_Example_8_Gurnee_Edition_1.pdf in MS Word - A Great Example of an newsletter thanks to Lisa of the Gurnee/Wadsworth Relay For Life, IL... Sending an e-newsletter is a low effort, high impact way of keeping your committee and teams informed!



    Part 15 - DIVERSITY - Here are some great ideas for diversity - It is important to involve all parts of your community... Here are some ideas on how to make it happen!
  • 15-Diversity_R&R.doc in MS Word - Roles and Repsonsibilities, the basics every event should do, and a time line for Diversity - ensure you involve your community!
  • 15-Diversity_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Darn Good Ideas on Diversity.



    Part 16 - YOUTH, COLLEGE, AND YOUNG ADULTS - Here are some great ideas for getting people involved in Relay early!
  • 16-Youth-College-Young_Adults_R&R.doc in MS Word - Roles and Repsonsibilities, the basics every event should do, and time lines for Youth, College events, and Young adult activities.
  • 16-Youth-College-Young_Adults_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Darn Good Ideas to make you more successful with youth, college events, and young adult activities.
  • 16-Youth_Info_Kit_Vienna.zip in a ZIP File - A Zip file that contains a series of files you could assemble into a "youth" packet to give youth participants... Thanks to Stacy and the Vienna, VA Relay For Life!
  • 16-Girl_Scout_Patch_Program.doc in MS Word - An overview of the Girl Scout Patch Program that many Relays and Girl Scout local offices are partnering on around the country...
  • 16-Girl_Scout_patch_program.pdf in Adobe - Here's a program that you can do to earn Girl Scout patches... The patches are available at It is "Relay Patch R5022".
  • 14-Sample_High_School_Involvement_Recruitment_Letter.doc in MS Word - A letter to send to a school board or high school or other school to get them involved in Relay!
  • 16-High_School_Relay_Club_Constitution.doc in MS Word - A sample constitution for your High School Relay For Life Club!
  • 16-Kids_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Here are tons of ideas on how to involve kids/have a kids relay/kids' teams etc...
  • 16-Parent_Permission_Letter_To_Participate_In_Relay_For_Life_Vienna.doc in MS Word - Here is a great letter to send parents to outline what they need to do for their kids to participate in Relay For Life. Thanks to Stacy and the Vienna, VA Relay For Life.



    Part 17 - CANCER CONTROL/MISSION - Here are some great ideas for cancer control
  • 17-Cancer_Control_R&R.doc in MS Word - Roles and Repsonsibilities, the basics every event should do, and a time line for Cancer Control.
  • 17-Cancer_Control_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Darn Good Idea for Cancer Control
  • 17-Cancer_Control_101_The_Basics.doc in MS Word - Great ideas for Cancer Control... Scavenger hunt, Cancer Control Roulette Wheel, Cancer Control At Relay, Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?, Cancer Control Jeopardy! Thanks to Stacy & Catherine M. for sharing!
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Road_To_Recovery_Rally.doc in MS Word - Great ideas for a Road to Recovery Rally. Thanks to Stacy & Catherine M. for sharing!
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Scavenger_Hunt.doc in MS Word - Great ideas for a Scavenger hunt. Thanks to Stacy & Catherine M. for sharing!
  • 17-Cancer_facts.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - Here are some great cancer facts you can laminate, put on posts, and post around your track!
  • 17-Cancer_Bracelets_and_Ribbons_and_Colors.doc in MS Word - Many people ask what cancer each ribbon color represents... Here is a summary from across many sources!
  • 17-Cancer_Awareness_Weeks_And_Months.doc in MS Word - What Cancer Awareness Events fall each month or week? Find the month for Breast Cancer, the National Smokeout, and much more here!
  • 14-Relay_For_Life_Crossword_Puzzle.doc in MS Word - Here is a crossword puzzle you can use with your teams to educate them about Relay For Life!

    Breast Cancer Bingo Instructions, Player Cards, and Call Out Cards
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Breast_Cancer_Bingo_Instructions.doc in MS Word - Here is a task to do with your team captains as a cancer control program. A great idea from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Environmental Health and Suceptibility
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Breast_Cancer_Bingo_Callout_Cards.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - Here are the Bingo Callout Cards - they are wonderful! Again, part of the great idea from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Environmental Health and Suceptibility
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Breast_Cancer_Bingo_Player_Card_1.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - Here is the first Player Card for Bingo... Again, part of the great idea from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Environmental Health and Suceptibility
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Breast_Cancer_Bingo_Player_Card_2.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - Here is Player Card #2 for Bingo... Again, part of the great idea from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Environmental Health and Suceptibility
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Breast_Cancer_Bingo_Player_Card_3.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - Here is Player Card #3 for Bingo... Again, part of the great idea from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Environmental Health and Suceptibility
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Breast_Cancer_Bingo_Player_Card_4.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - Here is Player Card #4 for Bingo... Again, part of the great idea from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Environmental Health and Suceptibility
  • 17-Cancer_Control_Breast_Cancer_Bingo_Player_Card_5.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - Here is Player Card #5 for Bingo... Again, part of the great idea from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Environmental Health and Suceptibility



    Part 18 - ADVOCACY - Here are some great ideas for advocacy
  • 18-Advocacy_R&R.doc in MS Word - Roles and Repsonsibilities, the basics every event should do, and a time line for Advocacy.
  • 18-Advocacy_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Some Darn Good Ideas when it comes to Advocacy/ Government Relations.



    Part 19 - ENTERTAINMENT, ON-SITE ACTIVITIES, AND CEREMONIES - Great ideas to make your event WAY entertaining!!!!
    On-Site Activities and Entertainment
  • 19a-g-Entertainment_On-Site-Activities_&_Ceremonies_R&R.doc in MS Word - Roles and Repsonsibilities, the basics every event should do, and a time line for 19 Entertainment, On-Site Activities, and Ceremonies.
  • 19-On-Site_Activities_&_Keep_Tms_All_Nite_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Darn Good Ideas for On-Site Activities, event award suggestions, and ways to keep your teams around all night!

    HOW TO PLAN AND HOLD A - Late Night Lip Sync Contest - Thanks to the Vienna, VA Relay For Life and Stacy C.!
  • 19-On-Site_Activities_Late_Night_Lip_Sync_Contest_Registration_Form.doc in MS Word - Here is the late night lip sync contest registration form!
  • 19-On-Site_Activities_Late_Night_Lip_Sync_Contest_Flyer.doc in MS Word - Here is the late night lip sync contest publicity flyer you can hand out at team capatin meetings and the day of the event!

    HOW TO PLAN AND HOLD A - Beauty Pageant/Mr. Relay/Miss Relay Contest!
  • 10-Beauty_Pageant_Rules.doc in MS Word - Here are rules/guidlines you can share for a beauty pageant to make sure that people keep it G rated :) and so on!
  • Hillsborough_Relay_Ms_Relay_Registration_Form.doc in MS Word - EXAMPLE - The Hillsborough, NC Relay For Life Registration Form
  • Pittsboro_2006_Miss_Relay_Entry_Form.pdf in Adobe Acrobat - EXAMPLE - The Pittsboro, NC Relay For Life Miss Relay contest entry form
  • Pittsboro_Miss_Relay_biosheet.doc in MS Word - EXAMPLE - The Pittsboro, NC Relay For Life Miss Relay contest sample bio form - for creating a funny biography about the entrant - great idea!

    Silent Auction Instructions
  • 19-Silent_Auction_DGIs_How_To_Hold_Auction.doc in MS Word - TOP REQUEST!!! - Here are the basics on how to hold a Silent Auction! Please check with the rules for your State/Division to make sure it is ok to hold one!
  • 19-Silent_Auction_Example_Rules.doc in MS Word - Here is a sample of rules for the Silent Auction!
  • 19-Silent_Auction_Example_Bid_Sheet.doc in MS Word - Here is a sample bid sheet - create one for each item in your auction!
  • 19-Silent_Auction_Example_List_Of_Items_For_Program.doc in MS Word - Put this list in your program to advertise your silent auction items!

    Campsites, Team Names, Team Themes, Team Walking Schedules
  • 19-Campsite_Ideas_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Here are some great ideas for campsites!
  • 19-Team_Themes_&_Names_DGIs.doc in MS Word - TOP DOWNLOAD!!! Here are some great ideas for team themes and team names out there from all over!
  • 13-Team_Day_Of_Checklist_DGI.doc in MS Word - TOP DOWNLOAD!!! The things a team should bring the day of the event - make sure you share with your teams!
  • 19-Team_Walking_Schedule_For_Relay.doc in MS Word - Your team captains can use this document to schedule all their walkers - customize it by indicating the times when the Relay is starting and stopping and when the ceremonies are (times no one would be walking)... Thanks to Stacy C. and the Vienna VA Relay For Life!
  • 19-Team_Walking_Schedule_For_Relay_Example_2.xls in MS Excel - Your team captains can use this document also to schedule all their walkers - customize it by indicating the times when the Relay is starting and stopping and when the ceremonies are (times no one would be walking)... Thanks to Cindy and the Chugiak River Relay For Life, Alaska

    Food
  • 19-Food_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Darn Good Ideas for Food!
  • 19-Sample_Food_Donation_Request_Letter.doc in MS Word - A donation request letter to ask for food to be donated to the event!


    Ceremony Darn Good Ideas and Scripts - Luminaria, Opening, Closing, Survivor Lap, and more!
  • 19-Ceremony_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Darn Good Ideas for all the ceremonies - Luminaria, Opening, Closing, Survivors Lap, etc.
  • 19-Music_Suggestions_For_All_Ceremonies.doc in MS Word - TOP DOWNLOAD!!! Here are music ideas for every ceremony - Luminaria, Opening, Closing, Survivors Lap, etc.
  • 19-Opening_Ceremony_&_Survivor_Lap_Script_Example.doc in MS Word - An Opening Ceremony and Survivor Lap script sample!
  • 19-Opening_Ceremony_&_Dedication_To_Someone_Who_Passed_Away_Script_Example.doc in MS Word - A variation on the Opening Ceremony script with a dedication to someone who has passed away from cancer.
  • 19-Opening_Ceremony_Example_2.doc in MS Word - Another Opening Ceremony example.
  • 19-Luminaria_Ceremony_Script_By_Group_Example.doc in MS Word - A Luminaria ceremony script where you read the names by group - "Light your luminaria in honor of a spouse, then sibling, grandparent, child, and so on... Very touching.
  • 19-Luminaria_Ceremony_Script_By_Group_Example_2.doc in MS Word - Another Luminaria ceremony script where you read the names by group - ...in honor of a spouse, then sibling, grandparent, child, and so on... followed by a guest speaker. Thanks to Bev and the Greencastle Relay for Life in Greencastle, Pennsylvania!
  • 19-Luminaria_Ceremony_Script_With Chimes_By_Group_Example_3.doc in MS Word - Another Luminaria ceremony script where chimes are used as a cue and part of the ceremony... Thanks to the Elkhart County Relay For Life!
  • 19-Luminaria_Ceremony_Script_Read_All_Names_Example.doc in MS Word - A luminaria ceremony script for smaller events that want to read the names of all the people they are honoring....
  • 19-Luminaria_Ceremony_Script_Scroll_Names_Altoona_PA.doc in MS Word - A Luminaria ceremony script where the names scroll during the ceremony on a screen - a great idea for events with larger #'s of survivors or want to do something different! Includes a great poem called Candle by May Richardson - Thanks to Steve and the Altoona, PA Relay For Life.
  • 19-Survivor_Lap_Recognition_Slides.doc in MS Word - Slides to recognize survivors and how long since diagnosis, developed by a volunteer... You can use these to "flash" thru the people you are honoring for being survivors...
  • 19-Survivor_Lap_Recognition_Slides_Instructions.doc in MS Word - Instructions for how to use the survivor lap recognition slides above...
  • 19-Closing_Script_Example.doc in MS Word - Closing Ceremony Script example.



    Part 20 - REGISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING - Here are some great ideas to make your event WAY entertaining!!!!
  • 20-Registration_&_Accounting_R&R.doc in MS Word - Roles and Repsonsibilities, the basics every event should do, and a time line for Registration and Accounting...
  • 10-Bank_Night_DGIs.doc in MS Word - Here is a list of Darn Good Ideas for Bank Night



    Part 21 - POST-EVENT RESOURCES - THANK YOUS, EVENT CRITIQUE/FEEDBACK FORMS, WRAP UP MEETING GUIDELINES AND RESOURCES - Once your event is a breakthrough success, make sure you thank those who made it possible!
    Thank Yous
  • 21-Thank_Yous.doc in MS Word - Thank you's - who to thank, and some guidlines and help to get it done...
  • 21-Generic_Thank_You_Letter.doc in MS Word - A generic thank you letter you can modify for your use.
  • 21-Generic_Thank_You_Letter_2.doc in MS Word - Another generic thank you letter you can modify for your use.
  • 21-Relay_For_Life_Thank_You_Card.doc in MS Word - A thank you card you can use to recognize those involved with your event!
  • 21-Thank_You_Follow_Up_Rainy_Relays.doc in MS Word - Did it rain at your event and do you think it hurt your turnout? Here's a great follow-up letter to ensure that your teams finish the job we started!

    Appreciation Certificates - Use these to thank your committees, corporate sponsors, and others!
  • 21-Committee_Recognition_Certificate.doc in MS Word - A great certificate to recognize your committee members!
  • 21-Corporate_Sponsor_Recognition_Certificate.doc in MS Word - A great certificate to recognize your corporate sponsors! Use this or get your sponsors a nice plaque to commemerate their contributions.
  • 21-Team_Captain_Recognition_Certificate.doc in MS Word - A great certificate to recognize your Team Captains.

    Tools To Critique Your Event
  • 05-Feedback_Forms.doc in MS Word - Use this feedback form to find out what volunteers, teams, and others thought of your event!
  • 05-Feedback_Forms_Summary-Example-Howard_County.doc in MS Word - Here is an example of how you can summarize the feedback that your event got!
  • 05-Relay_Event_Critique_Form_Example.doc in MS Word - Relay For Life Event Critique Form - This is a form that the leaders of an event can use to summarize how their event went!

    Wrap Up Meeting Guidelines and Resources
  • 21-Wrap_Up_Meeting_Agenda.doc in MS Word - Here is a sample wrap up agenda you can use to gather input from your committee and figure out how to improve the following year!
  • 21-Thank_You_Poem_To_Read_To_Committee_Chesire_Relay.doc in MS Word - A poem to read at your Committee Wrap Up meeting to recognize them!
  • 14-Relay_Poems.doc in MS Word - Some great poems to motivate your committee, teams, or to use as marketing in your event - for example, you could use one in your event wrapup (please make sure you give credit on where it came from...)



    Part 22 - ON-LINE FUNDRAISING @ KINTERA.ORG/ACSEVENTS.ORG, ACSRELAY.ORG, and RELAYAMERICA.COM - Website information from a variety of sources
    Instructions for On-Line Event/Fundraising Site at Kintera.org/Acsevents.org. Thanks to Stacy, Erica, Peabody (MA), and others! (ONLY APPLIES IF YOU HAVE AN ON-LINE DONATION SITE)
  • 22-On_Line_Fundraising-Registering_Your_Team.doc in MS Word - Here are instructions for registering your team (for kintera.org/acsevents.org) - thanks to Stacy Capra and the Vienna, VA Relay For Life
  • Team Development Training Online - Check it out! Great training on Building Your Team Relations Committee, Recruiting and Retaining Teams, Recognizing and Rewarding Teams, Mentoring Teams, and More!
  • 22-On_Line_Fundraising-Team_Accounting_Instructions.doc in MS Word - Here are instructions for team captains for reconciling your team's fundraising before turning in your money (for kintera.org/acsevents.org) - thanks to Stacy Capra and the Vienna, VA Relay For Life
  • 22-On_Line_Fundraising-Entering_Offline_Donations.doc in MS Word - Here are instructions for entering offline donations (for kintera.org/acsevents.org) - thanks to Stacy Capra and the Vienna, VA Relay For Life
  • 22-On_Line_Fundraising_Kintera_Sign_Up_Instructions_From_Wilson_County_TN.doc in MS Word - Here are instructions for registering at your kintera.org site - thanks to Erica and the Wilson County, TN Relay For Life

    On-Line Tutorial - Instructions for On-Line Event/Fundraising Site at Kintera.org/Acsevents.org. Thanks to the Peabody, MA Relay For Life! (ONLY APPLIES IF YOU HAVE AN ON-LINE DONATION SITE)
  • On-line registration system instructions from the Peabody, MA Relay For Life! - These are awesome - the Peabody Relay For Life has an on-line system to walk you thru how to use the system!

    On-Line Resources at relayforlife.org - a great site with blogging and discussion boards for Relay For Life! Check it out!
  • Relay For Life VideosGREAT! Videos on-line for Relay For Life, courtesy of Adam P. and relayforlife.org
  • Cancer Resource WikiGREAT! A cancer resource wiki (just like Wikipedia, but for cancer stuff!).
  • Team Development Training Online - Check it out! Great training on Building Your Team Relations Committee, Recruiting and Retaining Teams, Recognizing and Rewarding Teams, Mentoring Teams, and More!
  • Online Relay For Life presentation Online - Check it out! Great training on Building Your Team Relations Committee, Recruiting and Retaining Teams, Recognizing and Rewarding Teams, Mentoring Teams, and More!

    Part 23 - OTHER RESOURCES - CD's, Videos, Relay Stores, Data Collection sources, etc.
    Relay Stores
  • Relay Stores - Here is a link to the page with the list of approved Relay For Life vendors - Relay Stores.

    Other Resources - CD's, Videos, Data Collection Sources you can use
  • 22-CD-Videos-Websites-Data_Collection-Other_Resources.doc in MS Word - Here are some other resources you should check out!

    Setting Up a Website For Your Event or Team
  • 22-How_To_Setup_A_Website_For_Your_Event_Or_Team.doc in MS Word - Here are links to the nationally approved Relay For Life Merchandise Stores.




    Appendix A - RELAY U's!
  • Some great ideas from Relay U, the training ground for Relay For Life Volunteers! Relay University.



    What do you think? Contact Us and let us know what else you would like to be able to find here!

     "It's About Being A Community That Takes Up The Fight...."

    Relay For Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society and is a team event that promotes survivorship and increases cancer awareness in our community!  Across America, there were over 4300 Relay for Life events in 2004!   Families, schools, companies, hospitals, and other community groups create teams of 8 to 15 people who take turns walking around a track all night to raise money to find a cure!
    acsrelay.org is an on-line resource webpage for Relay For Life. This site provides a manual for event chairs, ideas for fundraising, team themes, ceremonies, team recruitment, site logistics, team captain's meetings, kickoffs, music suggestions, and more! This website is constantly being improved - come back weekly for updates!  If you need more information, have feedback, have a great idea, have questions, or to JOIN OUR MAILING LIST, please CONTACT US
    Last updated 1/25/07 12:00am.