Relay for Life Fundraising Ideas

Relay for Life is The American Cancer Society’s go-to fundraising group and they hold events all across the U.S. What is a Relay? It’s an organized, overnight community fundraising walk. Teams of people camp out around a track and members of each team take turns walking around the track. Some Relay for Life groups’ members have come up with other fundraising events that complement the Relay for Life experience. In the case of Relay for Life, you know what kind of fundraiser you’re doing. But you still need to come up with the food, games and activities to keep your Relayers entertained throughout the evening.

One of the biggest decisions is often deciding what type of fundraiser to do. In Maumelle, AR, organizers held a Relay for Life fundraiser with a “Hula for Hope” theme. More than 300 participants with 32 teams helped bring awareness about cancer. One 12-year old who loved animals and chatting with fish breeders used an Internet site for a fundraiser to auction off three fish she had named for three children she knew who had cancer. Her small investment for the fish at Wal-Mart turned into $3500 thanks to generous fish breeders.  Fundraisers by other Relay for Life teams include thons, raffles, restaurant nights, product sales, and bake sales.

Check out our complete list of fundraising products and do-it-yourself fundraising ideas for your next Relay For Life fundraiser.

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Do-It-Yourself Relay for Life Fundraiser

You can also choose from a wide variety of Relay for Life DIY fundraising ideas to supplement your program. How about Karaoke Night, Bakeless Bake sale, Cake Walk. Guessing Game, or thons of every type? Perhaps one of these successful and creative ideas can be adapted for your Relay for Life fundraiser.

Raffle Table – Our variation on a fundraising raffle is to have a table of donated items. Our members donate new items they have received as gifts but don’t want, things they have made with their special talents (i.e.- hand-made jewelry, baked goods, clothing, etc.), items donated from local businesses, and certificates for free admission to future lodge events or services (such as baby sitting or house-cleaning). Read More…

Face Painting – You do not have to be an artistic person to paint a face at a fundraiser. You simply have to enjoy interacting with people. Most people are happy with whatever you put on their face as long as you are nice to them. Since you must be in very close proximity to people, always start out by introducing yourself. Read more…

Balloon Bust – Fill a couple hundred balloons with helium and slips of paper redeemable for prizes or cash, or (10 percent) ‘Thank You Please Try Again’. The fundraising prizes can be a free Coke if Coca Cola is helping sponsor event. You could have an early bird prize about ‘Guess The Number of Balloons’. Read more…