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Written by Chris Gonzalez

Introduce Yourself

“Hi, I’m (name). I work for the American Cancer Society. I’m on a mission to save lives and I need your help. Are you familiar with Relay For Life? (If yes, skip the next paragraph.)

Relay For Life is a family-friendly community event and fundraiser. In the weeks leading up to the event, teams gather pledges for the American Cancer Society then on Relay day all the teams set up camp at a local school or park and take turns walking around a track, relay-style, for 24 hours. When not walking, they enjoy entertainment, music, food, camaraderie, contests and cancer-fighting activities. Relay For Life is the largest single fundraiser in the world. The proceeds go directly to fund Society research, education, patient services and advocacy programs and support our efforts to help you stay well, to help you get well if you have cancer, and to find cures and fight back. Relay For Life is an amazing and satisfying experience and it really brings the community together.

Provide Background

There are Relays in more than 400 communities this year, including our community of (enter city name). I’m hoping you’d like to be a (Team Captain, sponsor, supporter) for this year’s Relay to help raise funds for education and free patient services and programs in California.

Explain How Relay Works

All money raised supports the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives and create a world with more birthdays. Relay begins with cancer patients and survivors walking the opening Survivors Lap. It is a very moving sight to see. Next, every team begins walking around the track, relay-style, for 24 hours, with at least one member on the track at all times to represent cancer patients fighting the disease 24/7.

When not walking, teams may hold on-site fundraisers selling ice cream, running raffles, providing chair massages and more. As darkness falls, the track is lined with paper bags lit by glow sticks or candles and decorated in honor of cancer survivors or in memory of loved ones lost to cancer. After the Luminaria ceremony, the bags remain lit until sunup.

The Asks

Team Captain Ask

Would you be willing to form a team for Relay? A Team Captain recruits 10 – 15 friends, colleagues or family members who agree to collect a minimum of $100 each in pledges before the event. Each fundraising team member receives an event t-shirt. Prior to the event, teams can hold car washes, bake sales, Bark For Life dog walks, or garage sales to support their efforts.

There are lots of resources available for you, beginning with me. Every Relay event has a staff manager and a volunteer chairperson to walk you through the process and Team Captain meetings hook you up with veteran volunteers happy to help get you started. www.RelayForLife.org/california has details about every Relay in California and every Relay has its own Web page to help you track your team recruitment and fundraising.

Here is a Team Captain job description for you to look over. [GIVE THEM TIME TO READ THE JOB DESCRIPTION.] Would you like to take part in Relay For Life? [PAUSE. ANSWER QUESTIONS.]

Do you have a business card? I would like to share your information with the local Relay staff to be sure that you are included in upcoming event information. If you don’t have a card, could you please give me your name and phone number?

As soon as you are able, please find your local event at www.RelayForLife.org/California and register your team on the community website. Do you have any questions? [PAUSE]

Thank you so much for agreeing to take part in Relay. Your participation will mean so much to cancer patients and their families. You are helping save lives.

Sponsorship Donation Ask

Would you be willing to join in the fight against cancer by becoming a sponsor for the Relay For Life of (event name)? This 24-hour celebration is a team event to fight cancer. Our Relay For Life will take place on (event dates) at (event locations). A highlight of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony on Saturday evening, a time to remember and honor loved ones that have faced cancer. Glow sticks or candles are placed in bags around the perimeter of the track, in honor or memory of cancer patients.

We invite you and your business to become a partner in making this a successful event. In exchange for your contribution you will receive a variety of benefits including recognition on our event T-shirt. Moreover, as a sponsor for the Relay, you will create an awareness of your commitment to our community and to the fight against cancer. Cancer touches everyone in some way. More than 75 percent of the American Cancer Society dollars are dedicated to research, support for cancer patients and their families, and public education.

Thank you so much your support! Your sponsorship will mean so much to cancer patients and their families. You are helping save lives.

Survivor Attendee Ask

I know too many people who are touched by cancer, and that is why I have joined the American Cancer Society to save lives and create a world with more birthdays by participating in the Relay For Life. And I hope you will join me.

Cancer survivors are our honored guests; you are reason we Relay. We want to celebrate you. I will be walking on [Insert Date, time, location], or you can attend ANY Relay you want! Bring your friends and family to walk with you too!

Do you have any questions? [PAUSE]

Thank you so much your support! Your attendance will mean so much to cancer patients and their families. You are helping save lives.

Relay Recess Coordinator Ask

Would your school be willing to join in the fight against cancer by partnering with the American Cancer Society? Have you heard about Relay Recess, a new Relay For Life program for elementary schools? Relay Recess brings classroom studies and health education into real life, and gives students the chance to be leaders in their communities. Your students will increase their knowledge of healthy behaviors, make friends, and build school spirit, as well as developing a lifelong passion for giving back to their community.

Relay Recess events can be large or small, but each should commit to raising a minimum of $1,000.

Moreover, as a Relay Recess coordinator, you will create an awareness of your commitment to your students, your community and to the fight against cancer.

Do you have any questions? [PAUSE]

Thank you so much your support! Your commitment will mean so much to cancer patients and their families. You are helping save lives.

Personal Fundraising Ask

This year, more than 1.4 million Americans will hear the words, “You have cancer.” I know too many people who are touched by cancer, and that is why I have joined the American Cancer Society on a mission to save lives and create a world with more birthdays by participating in the Relay For Life in my community.

I am determined to make a difference, and I hope you will join me. I will be walking on [Insert Date, time, location]. It would be wonderful if you could support me in my efforts and make a donation. Every dollar raised brings us one dollar closer to a cure, and to a time when no one will ever have to hear the words “You have cancer.”

Do you have any questions? [PAUSE]

Thank you so much your support! Your donation will mean so much to cancer patients and their families. You are helping save lives.

Luminaria Donation Ask

The Luminaria ceremony is one of the most inspirational moments at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. It offers everyone at Relay the opportunity to pay tribute to those who have faced cancer. Glowsticks or candles are placed in bags around the perimeter of the track, in honor or memory of cancer patients. Would you be willing to support this effort by purchasing a Luminaria in honor of a loved one who has been touched by cancer?

Do you have any questions? [PAUSE]

Thank you so much your support! Your donation will mean so much to cancer patients and their families. You are helping save lives. Please consider stopping by Relay during the evening so you have a chance to see your Luminaria bag lighting the path for Relayers throughout the night.

Thank You and Follow Up

Team Captain Thank You

Welcome to Relay! We are so excited that you have signed up to be a part of our Relay For Life. Your involvement is going to help make a difference and help the American Cancer Society save more lives from cancer. You are welcome to call or email me with any questions and ideas you might have.

In the meantime, please be sure to send out as many emails and letters as possible to your friends, family, and coworkers letting them know you signed up to take part in Relay, and to ask for their support to help you reach your team goal. Thank you for being a part of Relay For Life!

Sponsorship Thank You

Thank you so much for your sponsorship of our Relay For Life! You are making a meaningful difference!

I know too many people who have been touched by cancer and I am walking in Relay to fight back and help save lives. I am proud to know that our community has your support and that together, we are making a difference in the fight against cancer.

To learn more about Relay For Life, please visit www.relayforlife.org.

Cancer touches us all, and only by working together will we find a cure. Thank you for joining me and the American Cancer Society as we save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays!

Survivor Thank You

Welcome to Relay! We are so excited that you have signed up to be a part of our Relay For Life. Your involvement is going to mean so much to fellow cancer survivors and their families, and help the American Cancer Society save more lives from cancer. You are welcome to call or email me with any questions you might have.

In the meantime, please be sure to invite your friends and family to join you at Relay For Life! Let them know signed up to take part in Relay, and to ask for their support as you walk in the first lap. Thank you for being a part of Relay For Life!

Relay Recess Coordinator Thank You

Thank you so much for your commitment to Relay Recess! You are making a meaningful difference!

We know too many people who have been touched by cancer and I am glad to include your school in the fight. I am proud to know that our community has your support and that together, we are making a difference in the fight against cancer.

To learn more about Relay Recess, please visit www.relayrecess.org.

Personal Donor Thank You

Thank you so much for your donation to Relay For Life! You are making a meaningful difference!

To learn more about Relay For Life, please visit www.relayforlife.org.

Luminaria Donor Thank You

Thank you so much for your donation to Relay For Life! You are making a meaningful difference by helping the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

I know too many people who have been touched by cancer and I am walking in Relay to fight back and help save lives. I am proud to know that when I am walking, I have your support and that together, we are making a difference in the fight against cancer. I wanted to let you know how much you inspire me, and I hope you’ll join me at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life scheduled for [insert date and location] to participate in the Luminaria ceremony.

Many people find Relay to be a life-changing experience, and they come back year after year. In fact, one in every 100 Americans is involved in a Relay, and if you attend, I think you’ll see why.

To learn more about Relay For Life, please visit RelayForLife.org/California.

Cancer touches us all, and only by working together will we find a cure. Thank you for joining me and the American Cancer Society and please let me know if you’d like to attend Relay For Life of (event name).

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