There are several reasons I Relay. Too many, in fact.

I got my first glimpse of Relay while I was working for a bank - it was a decent job for a senior in college. I signed up to participate on the team - I got a ridiculous shift, around 2 or 3 in the morning - and I went, ran the track, and left. It looked like there was a lot more going on than what I was told about beforehand, so I looked forward to participating again.

The next Relay experience I had was while working at a college as a hall coordinator. I was the staff liaison for the event, and helped in the attempt to recruit sponsors and teams. My efforts were met with some success, and my dad actually spoke at the event.

After leaving the college, I immediately contacted my local office to find out which events I could help out with. That's when I got connected with the Polk Metro Relay For Life. The first year, I worked on obtaining sponsorships, silent auction items, and built a team. I was able to get a few small sponsorships, several dozen silent auction items, and food for the volunteers the day of the event.

Last year (year 2 on the Polk Metro committee), I was tasked with publicity. I was able to secure several radio interviews and was even able to get a TV reporter involved. I also secured another sponsorship and several donations for silent auction.

We also included the flamingos in our fundraising efforts, and in a short time raised over $100 toward the event. I also invited a co-worker to participate, and before I knew it, we had another two committee members, five more teams, and thousands more dollars raised for the event.

This year is year #3 for my involvement with Polk Metro. I am participating in memory of my grandfather, Kenneth Boyle; my "second mom," Sherri Lubensky; my best high school friend's mom, Sandy Gilbert; and my mom's cousin, Jeannie Arnette. I am also participating in honor of survivor Deb Boscaljon, and in support of Tania Houlihan (the aforementioned co-worker) and my grandmother, Flora Foster.

This year, I am on-line and team recruitment chair for the event. So far, we're having a pretty successful year on both fronts. You're encouraged to participate, and if you have friends and/or family in the greater Des Moines area, please encourage them to join our event.

http://www.relayforlifepolkmetro.org/