I Am Looking for Relay for Life Themes

If you have ever thought to yourself, "I am looking for Relay for Life themes," then you are in the market for a new twist for one of the most enduring fundraisers for the highly rated charity, the American Cancer Society. From a single event in the mid-1980’s, the Relay for Life has grown to national proportions and has become a signature event for, not only the organization, but all its chapters and members seeking to remember those who have passed from cancer. The Relay for Life is an inspiration for those who live with cancer, and those who choose to literally walk and run beside them in support.

Relay for Life Ideas

The Relay for Life is an all day event. Teams walk a prescribed course-– usually an athletic track at a high school or university-- for 24 hours straight, with the requirement being that at least one member from each team is walking the course at all times. Teams literally bring tents and camp out throughout the night to make sure this requirement is met. Every participant pays a mandatory $10 registration fee. Participants bring in additional money by asking others to sponsor them at a per lap or per hour rate, or at a set amount. Teams selling food, and holding other pay-as-you-go activities that take place at the site raise even more funds.

The American Cancer Society site, is full of theme ideas that you can duplicate from past Relay for Life events. Listed below are some unique takes on Relay for Life themes. Make them your own!

• Dancing with the Stars – In conjunction with having someone walk the track from your team at all times, hold a dance marathon at a nearby pavilion or set up a dance floor on a field under another tent. Get local and regional celebrities to dance the night away with you. Last team person and their ‘star’ standing wins (perhaps a foot rub and pedicure donated by a local spa)

• The Proper Etiquette for Saying No to Cancer– Each team comes dressed in tuxedos and gowns (with their walking sneakers on of course). As they walk the track, they either stop at various stations, or at the end of a certain amount of laps, breaking for high tea. This can be fun if you get local restaurants and chefs involved to set up the stations and prepare food that has been donated. Participants and supporting family members can pay an extra $10 per person to partake.

• Race for Time – Each team picks its colors and sponsors a fantasy horse in this race for time against cancer. Campsites can be decorated in the colors, and team members can make and wear jockey silks for when they are on the track.

• High Noon for Cancer – While a western theme is always popular, give the classic a twist and have team members come dressed in Old West gear for this Knock Out at the Cancer Corral! Anything goes from gunslinger to dance hall girl to Little House on the Prairie look. A tailgate or bonfire hotdog roast that participants pay extra for can make the event even more fun.

• Top Dogs for Cancer – Set up teams with canine companions, pets and rescue animals from a local shelter. As people and their dogs walk throughout the night, plan to serve kibble and cookie biscuits to the dogs by way of a thank you.

• Spotlight on Cancer – Get real bricks and write down the names of entertainers who have passed from cancer. In addition, have participating teams or individuals write the name of a person they know who has passed from cancer. Then, carefully lay these bricks into a roped off area to create your own Walk of Fame. Sell luminaries to light the walk to put a spotlight on cancer.

So you are not alone when you ponder, "I am looking for Relay for Life themes". Just remember it takes only a little imagination and a lot of heart to put your own twist even on a theme that has been used. The extra time is worth it and you will watch both the team spirit and team membership grow as everyone wants to be part of the universal theme of wiping out cancer. It is a positive reaffirmation of life as well as a sign of strength and comfort.

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