Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

COFFEYVILLE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, Coffeyville, KS
Relay for Life Is a "Way of Life"

What is it?
For the past 12 years, Coffeyville Regional Medical Center has been very involved raising money for the American Cancer Society, not just at Relay time, but also throughout the entire year. Several community feeds are held during the year, raising money for Relay.

On Feb. 20, 2007, CRMC celebrated Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday with CEO Jerry Marquette using his Cajun culinary skills to cook up a feast of jambalaya, shrimp, etouffee and red beans and rice. The community shows great support every year coming out in droves to get their yearly fill of the Cajun feast.

May 5 is CRMC's Cinco de Mayo celebration - again putting on a feast of Mexican cuisine. Oktoberfest is celebrated selling bratwurst and German potato salad. Just prior to the Relay last year, CRMC hosted a Relay cookout and invited the community over for hamburgers, hotdogs and all the fixings. "We find any excuse to eat and party," says Becky McCune, a Relay team member.

If they aren't having a community feed, the Relay team is busy with other fund-raisers. They sell root beer floats and ice cream sundaes, pushing carts of treats around the hospital. They held a bake-off, selling donated pies and cakes, and even worked a day carhopping at Sonic, donating their wages. Last year, just prior to Relay, the CRMC team raised more money with "Yard Art." They painted three large canvasses and routed them through the hospital to businesses and to homes in the community. For a $10 donation, each piece of yard art was passed on to someone else who would donate another $10 to move it on, and in one week's time, CRMC raised just over $1,400.

At the Relay finale, held every year in June, CRMC hosts the Survivor tent where cancer survivors register to participate and share experiences. In addition, CRMC has their own tent - last year taking on the theme of "Footloose and Cancer Free." The CRMC team dressed in 1970's prom dresses and leisure suits, performing "footloose" at midnight, on stage with Jerry Marquette, Relay MC, a role he enjoys every year.

The CRMC Relay team really stepped up to the plate for the 2006 Relay winning:

" Outstanding Team;
" Top Fundraising Team, raising $15,631 - the first team ever to raise over $15,000 for its division;
" First Place Baton;
" Third Place for Theme;
" Third Place for Tailgate;
" First Place for Talent Show;
" First Place for 2 a.m. Spirit Team

Robin Doty, team captain, said, "We have even higher goals for 2007. We will continue to support this worthy cause dedicated to fighting this dreadful disease."

Who is it for?
Proceeds benefit the Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society

Why do they do it?
To support the fight against cancer

Contact: Robin Doty
620-252-1506
rdoty@crmcinc.com