Relay for Life 2012: Woodbury’s Walk for a Reason

Music, games, local mayors in a dunk tank.

The South Washington County Relay for Life is generally a good time.

But this year, organizers are focusing on why people participate—to do their part in the fight against cancer.

“It’s not just a fun party,” said Mara Mayberry, event co-chair with Jen Rockhill. “We’re trying to make sure we have more survivors and fewer people that are not.”

The South Washington County Relay for Life, one of the state’s largest, kicks off Friday evening at the track at in Woodbury. Teams walk around the track for about 13 hours as part of the American Cancer Society fundraiser.

The goal this year is to raise $300,000, Mayberry said, and while $172,000 has been raised to this point, she noted that the books don’t close until Aug. 31, and last year another $45,000 was raised after the Relay, .

New this year is a health fair, which includes sessions on cancer prevention and general wellness, and there will also be a hypnotist on hand to help people stop smoking, Mayberry said. The Platinum Sponsor, , will offer chair massages, as well.

“It should be a really interesting,” she said. “Showing people how to stay well and get well.”

There’s also a “Mayors Challenge” this year, with the city leaders of Woodbury, Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park and Newport raising money for teams by putting themselves in a dunk tank.

“It should be fun,” said Woodbury Mayor Mary Giuliani Stephens.

Bingo and a deejay are also new to this year’s Relay for Life, Mayberry said, and the raffle prizes have been expanded because there is no silent auction.

There will also be tethered balloon rides available (weather permitting).

No matter what happens with the weather, however, the Relay will go on.

“Just like cancer,” Mayberry said. “It doesn’t stop. We don’t either.”

For more information check out the PDF with this story or visit the South Washington County Relay for Life website.

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