FRIENDS RELAY - The New Richland Area Relay for Life encouraged NRHEG students to write the name of someone they know who has been affected by cancer on a paper footprint, and now has the footprints on display at the Ellendale school building.
Caring Friends team plans for Relay for Life
Thu, 04/02/2026 - 12:15am
The New Richland Caring Friends fundraising team has been supporting cancer research since 2003, when a group of school staff members began working together to raise money, then donate it during the early summer “Relay for Life” events whose funds go to the American Cancer Society.
Present members include Jean Billing, Darlyne Dahle, Georgia Dinneen, Julie Economy, Bonnie Jacobson, Crystal Maxon, Kris Pfeffer, Nancy Rudau, Lanae Thorstad and Lori Tomsche.
To raise awareness, the group recently sponsored an event at the NRHEG Elementary school, where students were asked to write the name of someone they know who has been affected by cancer on a paper footprint. More than 300 footprints were posted on a school hallway wall, creating a giant display.
Group member Kris Pfeffer claims, “We really do have the best team around. We support each other and really are ‘Caring Friends’ to each other.”
While some Relay for Life teams collect “pledges” based on how far they walk during the event, Caring Friends members raise money in a variety of ways and then simply donate it the day of the walk, which this year will be the June 5 Freeborn Mower Relay for Life event at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds in Albert Lea, beginning about 6 p.m.
Pfeffer recommends the Relay as a pleasant family event. Activities are available for children, and luminaries, purchased for donations of $10 each, are set up along a walkway. The name of someone affected by cancer can be written on the luminary as a memorial, or as encouragement in an on-going battle. There is no charge to attend the event.
Pfeffer mentions that Caring Friends have raised money in a variety of ways over time. Campaigns have included making and selling bracelets, selling daffodil bundles, creating and selling a book of favorite recipes contributed by current and retired teachers, and selling “licenses” to wear hats at the secondary school, so students could “use their heads” to fight cancer.
Anyone who wishes to donate to Caring Friends’ fundraising efforts, Pfeffer says, can speak with any team member. People can also speak to team members about donating $10 to have a luminary displayed on June 5, about what it takes to form a new team or join an existing one, or to learn about the event.