Relay for Life first to top $100,000

The 2009 Northeast Montana Relay for Life achieved its goal and was the first relay in Montana with less than 10,000 in population to top $100,000. This year they brought in $100,350.

It all began at the closing ceremony last year, when chairman Rod Karst challenged them to reach a goal of $100,000.

"He had a dream and a vision!" said board member Carol Neufeld. "At every meeting he would say, 'All we have to do is bring in a few more teams. Each team could add a little more fundraising. I will work on getting more sponsors.' He made us all see that this could be attainable so we all set to work with his vision and caught on with great excitement. We also knew how important it was to raise more money for cancer research since we are seeing more cures all the time."

Neufeld said Louise Franzen decided that they could add a live auction in addition to the silent auction, which turned out to be a great idea. They did add more sponsors and had a total of 60 this year. They did some special basket raffles this year and the winners were Phyllis Birkoski for Valentine’s Day, Jody Seyfert for Easter, Sherri Berger for Mother’s Day and Beau Nelson for Father’s Day.

There were more taco feeds and such but they knew they needed more, so Franzen decided to call Northern Prairie Auto in Wolf Point. She said, "We need a car to raffle off.” Jack Nelson answered the call and he said, "You got it!” Each member has taken tickets to all their friends and family to sell.

"Louise caught the vision and did the asking that brought us to our goal," Neufeld said.

Relay members did the Dare to Wear Pink Demo Derby once again and saw more pink enter the gates. If you did not have pink on, Louise Franzen was right there with car tickets to get you one way or another.

The Relay for Life teams that helped make it happen: Crafters Haven, Nemont Beverage, Praying for a Cure – Adult, Equine Connection, Usana Associates, Happy Hoofers, Skeleton Crew, Praying for a Cure – Youth, First State Bank – Malta, Albertsons, Beta Sigma Phi, Valley View Home, Glasgow Student Council, FMDH, Praying for a Cure - Young Adult, First Community Bank, Sheridan Electric, United Transportation Union, Scottie Cross Country, Rock's Auto, Grandma's Clowns, Team Bitter Creek, Team Bitter Creek 2 and Glasgow Key Club.

"All of us working together to make it happen. Each community in this northeast corner, you are to be commended," Neufeld said.