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Members of the UNMC Relay for Life team. |
It’s a year of dedication and sweat.
The employees, also known as team “Construction Crew,” raise money throughout the year for the American Cancer Society. This year’s team surpassed its goal, raising $5,911, for the June 11 Relay for Life at Norris Middle School.
During the 12-hour relay, at least one member of the “Construction Crew” must be walking on the track at all times.
This year’s team began selling candy bars as a fundraiser last September. However, candy bars alone were not enough to reach the team’s goal.
“We’d buy pizza, or something like that and people would pay beforehand for lunch, which brought in a couple hundred a month,” said Theresa Pikschus, staff secretary in Facilities Management and Planning. “We also had a garage sale where we raised almost $1,000, which Home Depot matched.”
Over the past four years the team has raised more than $12,000 to benefit the American Cancer Society.
“The money not only goes to help find a cure for cancer, but also helps cancer patients by providing transportation to and from doctor’s appointments, giving wigs to those who have lost their hair, as well as being a support group for those fighting cancer,” said Denise Wessling, staff assistant.
The team plans to raise more than $7,000 for the 2007 Relay for Life.
“There are very few people who haven’t had someone in their life stricken by cancer,” Pikschus said. “I can’t believe there are people who wouldn’t want to help,” she said.