Relay for Life evolves into ‘Best of the MNWest’
News | Published on April 8, 2024 at 12:17pm CDT
In a strategic move aimed at uniting communities across a broader region, the Pope County and Douglas County Relay for Life events recently announces its transformation into the “Best of the MNWest” Relay for Life.
The name change reflects the relay’s expanded territory that now invites Pope, Stevens, Swift, Western Stearns, Todd, Morrison, Douglas, Grant, Traverse, and Big Stone Counties to one Relay for Life event, it was stated in a recent news release.
Formerly known as the Pope County Relay for Life, the “Best of the MNWest” Relay for Life signifies a significant milestone in the Relay’s history. The new name reflects the Relay’s commitment to extending its reach and impact beyond county lines, embracing a regional community approach. The name “Minnesota West” was shortened to MNWest to quickly refer to the region. The name change highlights the Relay’s dedication to be inclusive–welcoming communities from across Minnesota’s Midwest region to join in the fight against cancer.
Set for July 12
in Alexandria
The “Best of the MN West” Relay for Life is scheduled to take place at the Douglas County Fairgrounds (802 3rd Ave W, Alexandria, MN), on Friday, July 12, 2024. The event will commence with a meal at 5:00 pm, followed by opening ceremonies at 6:00 pm with an evening filled with inspirational stories, a luminaria ceremony to honor loved ones, and community-driven fundraising activities.
Toni Diede, the new event lead, expressed her excitement about the change; “The transition to ‘Best of the MNWest’ Relay for Life marks a transformative moment for our Relay. We are thrilled to embrace this broader regional identity, uniting communities in our collective commitment in the fight against cancer.”
How to Get Involved
Individuals, businesses, and organizations from Pope, Stevens, Swift, Western Stearns, Todd, Morrison, Douglas, Grant, Traverse, and Big Stone Counties are encouraged to add their teams to join the “Best of the MNWest” Relay for Life. To participate or contribute, please visit https://relayforlife.org/bestofMNWest or contact sherri.maanum@cancer.org or call 651-461-2092.
