Hi, Dodie here, captain of the 2009 TrubbleBlazer relay team in Hillsboro Oregon on 6/20-21/2009.  My idea about getting the word out about relay is simple.  Speak up.  Talk to everyone/ANYONE that has ears....tell them about the event and why you relay.

Our team was created by 2 bereaved mothers that lost children to cancer.  Its now almost an obsession!  It was our first year....most certainly NOT our last!

We all talked to everyone...which is where we got most of our auction donations.  Unique ones, too.  We bundled several different 'coupons' and goods, selling them as kits.  I made up a cute little sign to dispay and catch the eye of the potential bidder.

We had many things....handmade quilts, out of circulation Matchbox collector boxes, sports card proofs, massages, free haircuts, pizzas, coffee drinks, manicures, framed pictures......even coupons for (SAFE) body piercings and tattoos!   

How did we get all these 'freebie' donations?  We talked.  We told our story, we gave details about the relay, we simply opened our mouths and got the word out!  Over $500.00 worth of donated items/services/coupons...by simply talking!  Turns out that there are FAR more survivors and folks effected by cancer than most of us realize.  Half of our donors battled or had a loved one effected by cancer.....and were QUITE happy to participate.

So....the next time your checking out at the local grocery store, pulling up to a fast food drive up window, running your car thru the local car wash, visiting a craft store or just chatting with your neighbor.....let em know about your relay event, what they can do and what its all about.

I got so into it that I made up biz cards with my RFL link and contact info so it would be easier for these peeps to get involved.  It works.....ya just gotta start the conversation with a simple "hello....have you heard about....."

You cant get donations and ideas if you dont let people know you need them!