Relay For Life at the University of Michigan
Grand Club & All-Star Fundraising Toolkit
Saturday, April 7, 2018 10 AM— 12 AM Palmer Field
Questions? Contact [email protected]! RELAY FOR LIFE INFORMATION The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to save lives from cancer. Communities and individuals across the globe unite to fight against cancer as they form teams and raise critical funds to support the lifesaving mission of the American Cancer Society, which is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. Symbolizing the battle waged around the clock by those facing cancer, Relay For Life events can last up to 24 hours and empower communities to help us free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer. Most Relay For Life events have a $15 registration fee—which could provide one ride to treatment for a patient in need. Participants can maximize their impact by raising money online or collecting donations to turn in at the event. And it’s an amazing opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors and pay tribute to loved ones lost. Last year, Relay For Life participants nationwide raised more than $279 million to help the American Cancer Society save lives from cancer. With your support, this year can be even more successful.
Know the facts on cancer in the United States • In 2017, more than 1.6 million people in the US were newly diagnosed with cancer, and 600,920 people died as a result of the disease. • Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US—exceeded only by heart disease—and accounts for nearly 1 in 4 deaths. • Thanks in part to the work of the American Cancer Society, more than 2.1 million deaths from cancer have been averted in the past two decades—a 25% drop in cancer mortality during that time period. • The five-year relative survival rate for all cancers diagnosed between 2007 and 2013 is 69%. That is up from 49% from 1975 to 1977.
How your support makes a difference Thanks to your support of Relay For Life, the American Cancer Society is there for everyone in every community touched by cancer, including those currently dealing with a cancer diagnosis; those who may face one in the future; and those who may avoid one altogether thanks to education and risk reduction. Through your support of the Relay For Life movement, your dollars contribute to:
Join us at the walk! Relay For Life at the University of Michigan (MRelay) Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 10 AM—12 AM (midnight) Website: www.mrelay.org
MRELAY CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT
MRELAY HISTORY: Ranked #2 collegiate event in the nation, and the only one to remain ranked within the Top 5 Relay For Life College Events since 2006.
Year Participants Funds Raised 2003 625 $87,190 2004 832 $94,420 2005 1265 $143,678 2006 2297 $236,745 2007 2240 $287,580 2008 2601 $276,854 2009 2965 $305,083 2010 3142 $285,722 2011 3246 $341,000 2012 2910 $369,741 2013 2331 $311,145 2014 1849 $322,908 2015 2210 $390,520 2016 1956 $383,453 2017 1572 $341,670
TOTAL 32,041 $4,187,709 MRelay leaders active in tobacco-free campus efforts
MRelay student leaders recently submitted a campus tobacco-free grant application with the support of Martin A. Philbert, PhD, FRSC, Dean and Professor of Toxicology. This activity is also supported by Cliff Douglas, VP of Tobacco Control for the American Cancer Society, who also holds an appointment on the UM campus.
What does it mean to be in the “Grand Club” or “All-Star” Club? Grand Club and All-Star Club members are individuals who go above and beyond with their fundraising commitment to the Relay For Life program by individually raising over $1,000 for Grand Club or $2,500 for All-Star Club. Those who reach the Grand Club or All-Star Club fundraising level become a member of the Relay For Life Grand Club or All-Star Club, receiving special recognition and appreciation for their unwavering dedication, passion, and support.
How to Achieve “Grand Club” or “All-Star” Status This Grand Club and All-Star Fundraising Toolkit includes innovative ideas to help you get started with your fundraising goal to become a Relay For Life Grand Club or All-Star member. We’ve included talking points, sample social media posts, unique fundraising ideas, and resources to support your efforts. The below Grand Club and All-Star Club individual levels are recognized at all events nationwide: $1,000 — Grand Club $2,500 — All-Star Club (Maize & Blue All-Star) $5,000 — Ruby All-Star Club (Big House All-Star) $10,000 —Purple All-Star Club (Victors Club)
Grand Club —Level and Benefits As a Grand Club member, you will have the opportunity to choose to receive a thank you gift as a token of our appreciation. The gift this year is a Grand Club short-sleeve polo shirt. You will also receive: • Acknowledgement at MRelay “All Participant” Meetings and the MRelay event on Saturday, April 7, 2018. • Special recognition gift of your choice (please see eligibility here). • Event day t-shirt • Free food and the opportunity to take advantage of the VIP Tent at MRelay on Saturday, April 7, 2018. • 10 yellow tickets and 1 purple ticket to be redeemed as a part of the MRelay Fundraising Incentive Program Raffle at MRelay on Saturday, April 7, 2018. The Fundraising Incentive Program Raffle has a variety of prizes, ranging from a Jim Harbaugh signed football to restaurant gift cards and tickets to sporting events. • Additional experiences and incentives as they become available • The honor and pride of knowing you’re helping to save lives from cancer
2017 Grand Club Members
Lizzy Stone Julia Selsky Emily Bluestein Chloe Cecchini Hallie Banc Spencer Solit Alyssa Murphy Bree Lam Brandon Fazal Kelcey Talbi Stefanie Stallard Seth Schostak Samantha Gellert Erica Forrest Kayla Waterman Maheen Khan Carolyn Johnston Sydney Someck Angelle Antoun Eryn Lipetz Danielle Boilen Grace French Maria Boldt Emily Goodrich Rachel Samitt Emme Coleman Ariel Jordan Haley Diedrick Jordana Brown Jacob Mars Lindsey Simon Clara Ipsen Craig Motola Lauren Weisfeld Alicia Nicholas Brian Johnston Nancy Tran Angela Gutman Samantha Galbavy Andrew Pearl Jackie Tsontakis Mackenzie Velazquez Liam McDevitt Isabella De Cardenas Katherine Fitzpatrick Dylan Greenberg Liza Hochberg Lucy Sandell Tucci Jaffe Mitchell Hirsch Jennifer Kaufman Devon Shalom
All-Star —Level and Benefits As an All-Star member, you will have the opportunity to choose to receive a thank you gift as a token of our appreciation. The gift this year is an All-Star zip-up jacket. You will also receive: • Acknowledgement at MRelay “All Participant” Meetings and the MRelay event on Saturday, April 7, 2018. • Special recognition gift of your choice (please see eligibility here). • Event day t-shirt • Free food and the opportunity to take advantage of the VIP Tent at MRelay on Saturday, April 7, 2018. • 10 yellow tickets and 3 purple tickets to be redeemed as a part of the MRelay Fundraising Incentive Program Raffle at MRelay on Saturday, April 7, 2018. The Fundraising Incentive Program has a variety of prizes, ranging from a Jim Harbaugh signed football to restaurant gift cards and tickets to sporting events. • Additional experiences and incentives as they become available • The honor and pride of knowing you’re helping to save lives from cancer
2017 All-Star Members Alisha Luthra Jeffrey Solomon Anna Goldenberg Brandon Petras Mo Demashkieh Charlotte Wittels Haleigh Youtie Camryn Rubach Ilze Vizulis Zachary Foos Daniel Purcell Olivia Kim Julia Habif Maddie Palermo Mitchell Becker Sydney Buchanan Matt Mendelsohn Shreya Makkapati
Talking Points
As you spread the word about your involvement with the American Cancer Society as a Grand Club or All-Star Club Member, here are some talking points to assist you in questions you may receive. Feel free to personalize these to fit your individual story and passion for this important cause.
* What else are you doing to support the American Cancer Society? In addition to raising awareness about the American Cancer Society, I am also committed to raising funds to help the American Cancer Society save more lives from cancer. Every dollar that I raise supports the American Cancer Society and their work to help save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.
* What else does the American Cancer Society do? By supporting the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life, we are ensuring that no one facing a cancer diagnosis will walk alone. The American Cancer Society is committed to helping those currently dealing with a cancer diagnosis, those who may face a future cancer diagnosis, and those who may avoid a cancer diagnosis altogether thanks to education and prevention efforts. The American Cancer Society saves more lives from cancer by investing in groundbreaking cancer research to better understand, prevent, find and treat the disease. They are currently funding more than $390 million in research grants nationwide. The American Cancer Society also provides free, comprehensive information and support to those touched by cancer when and where they need it. And, the American Cancer Society helps people take steps to reduce their cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable.
* WOW! I had no idea the American Cancer Society did so much! What can I do to help? You can support my Relay For Life team by visiting www.mrelay.org to make a donation, sharing one of my social media posts, and/or joining me on Saturday, April 7, 2018 for the Relay For Life at the University of Michigan event on Palmer Field from 10 AM—12 AM!
Sample Social Media Posts
Below are some additional options to help fundraise and promote Relay For Life in your community:
FACEBOOK • In April, I am participating in #RelayForLife at the University of Michigan! Donate to my #MRelay personal fundraising page!
TWITTER • During April, I am participating in #RelayForLife to help save lives from cancer! Donate to my #MRelay page today!
SOCIAL MEDIA BEST PRACTICES • Try to include photos/videos of you and your friends rocking the color purple! • Change up your posts with photos of random purple things you find in the community (flowers, cars, buildings, food, items of clothing, etc.) • Use a trackable short URL (bitly link) instead of the long website URL. • Instagram users—include tags to @AmericanCancerSociety and your city (example: #AnnArbor) in Instagram posts. • Instagram users—include a direct link (or bitly link) to your personal fundraising page in your Instagram bio. That’s the only place to hyperlink a website on Instagram • Twitter users—update your profile to include a direct link (or bitly link) to your team page.
HASHTAGS: • #RelayForLife • #MRelay • #AmericanCancerSociety • #GoBlueBePurple Sample Fundraising Letter
Dear [INSERT NAME],
1 in 3 people will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime and No one should have to do it alone. That is why I have joined the American Cancer Society in support of their lifesaving mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. I am committed to raising awareness and funds for their Relay For Life effort this year.
This cause is one I personally believe in. [SHARE PERSONAL CONNECTION TO CANCER].
The more people who support this cause, the bigger our impact will be in helping save lives from cancer. That’s why I’m asking those close to me to consider supporting my efforts by making a donation through my personal fundraising website: [INSERT LINK].
Because my efforts and those of others who support this important cause, the American Cancer Society is able to conduct innovative research, educate people on how to reduce their risk for cancer or detect it early, and simply provide a hand to hold. Your donation could help someone who is currently dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, those who may face a future diagnosis, and those who may avoid a diagnosis altogether thanks to education and prevention.
Thank you in advance for your support. When we come together, no one walks alone!
[YOUR NAME]
Fundraising Ideas Every dollar you raise helps the American Cancer Society save lives form cancer. Personalize your fundraising based on what will interest your networks. While your fundraising possibilities are endless, here are some ideas to get started.
• PERSONAL: o Start off your campaign by making a personal donation. Your friends, family, and business contacts will realize how important this cause is to you. o Craft your personal story, stating why you are supporting this cause. Make sure you update your personal fundraising website with your story and consider sharing it in a letter or e-mail to some of your personal contacts, describing why you are involved in this campaign and how their support would mean a lot to you. o Consider using the e-mail templates crafted by the American Cancer Society in your Relay For Life Dashboard to ask for donations. Just be sure to personalize your messages and share your personal connection to cancer. • SOCIAL MEDIA:
o As you share your pictures and information about Relay For Life, ask followers to make a donation to help you become the top fundraising candidate while supporting the fight against cancer. o Offer friends the chance to honor a loved one. For a certain donation (your choice), post a picture of someone that your friends wants to honor or remember. o Remind your friends and family that they can purchase a Luminaria bag online for $10 to honor or remember someone at MRelay on Saturday, April 7th. o Be sure to provide updates on your fundraising progress through your social media networks, and ALWAYS provide a link to your personal fundraising website.
• FRIENDS AND FAMILY:
o Send a text message to your close friends with a link to make a donation—ask them to donate $10 and to ask 10 of their friends to donate $10. Download the American Cancer Society FUNdraising App for help! o Send out e-mails or letters to friends and family (don’t forget those out of town!), asking them to make a donation to your campaign. o Ask your parents to host a bake sale or dress-down day ($10 to wear jeans on Friday) to benefit your Relay For Life Team. o Ask your parents to share your personal fundraising website on their social media pages and with their friends and clients. o Ask adults making a donation if their company has a matching gift program and encourage them to utilize it when making a donation! o Design a unique purple T-shirt and collect donations from those who want to purchase one and support your campaign. o Have a BBQ or wine and cheese party. Ask friends to come and make a donation to your campaign!
o Share the opportunity of sponsorship with business contacts.
o Ask a local restaurant to host a dine-and-donate night where they donate 15%-25% of their business that day to Relay For Life.
Additional Resources
Mobile FUNdraising App A to Z Fundraising Tips Volunteer Fundraising Handbook Team Captain Guide 2018 Individual Fundraising Incentive Program 2018 Hope Club 2018 Grand Club 2018 All-Star Club Dress Casual Day Flyer