Red Lake County Festival of Tables Big Success!

The 2nd annual Red Lake County Festival of Tables held in Brooks at the Community Hall on Saturday, October 28th was deemed a great success by organizers! All proceeds from this event were given to the American Cancer Society. Red Lake County has been recognized nationally in the past for raising several hundred thousands of dollars in the Relay For Life. The success of this fundraiser was no exception for the support that our county lends to ACS, as the donations raised in 2 hours on a Saturday afternoon yielded a total of $3,427.00!  A “lucky bucket” silent auction of items donated by generous supporters from around the area netted a profit of $1,903.00 and table guests contributed $1,524.00!

After a welcome to the almost 90 women who attended this event, information was shared from Kelsey Huttunen, NW Minnesota Community Development Manager for the American Cancer Society, regarding accomplishments and achievements of ACS. The hosts of the 11 themed tables served a variety of homemade soups, breads and desserts that were created to blend with each table theme. The tables were decorated in such imaginative ways with each table having a different theme!  Following the lunch, Sydney Melby, RLCC High School senior from Oklee, entertained the group with a selection of beautiful songs and guitar accompaniment. The Hall was buzzing with lots of visiting with friends and neighbors from across the county and beyond until the “lucky bucket” auction was held. Each guest could purchase tickets which they dropped into a bucket placed next to the more than 30 donated items. Tickets were drawn from the buckets and winners were awarded the donated items. In addition, the woman with the longest surviving cancer diagnosis was given a gift, as was the woman who had the most recent mammogram. A gift was also given to the woman with the most recent cancer diagnosis to create attention once again to the importance of being proactive in our health care. The day concluded with a thank you to those who attended and supported this fundraiser with a reminder that the event will be held again next year. 

Information regarding the activity of the American Cancer Society included updates on new cancer treatments and medications. Statistics show that we’ve seen a 25% decrease in cancer deaths since 1991!  ACS is currently funding more than 750 grants to 200 research institutions and universities, and has funded 47 Nobel Prize winners. ACS is the leading organization dedicated to all cancers, and all phases of the cancer journey - cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and survivorship. Funding to ACS also supports Hope Lodges, the Hotel Partners program, Reach to Recovery and more programs and services.

Money raised for the American Cancer Society funds education, research, advocacy and services.  Support from the American Cancer Society is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by going to www.cancer.org or by calling 1-800-227-2345.