WORTHINGTON -- Cancer Doesn't Discriminate, a local charity founded this year by cancer survivor Regan Roloff and her husband, Lonnie, will host a fundraising event, "Lanterns for Life," from 5:30-8 p.m. Friday at Centennial Park.
The goal is to raise $5,000 to purchase gas cards for Nobles County residents who must drive out of town for cancer treatments. Regan Roloff said people may apply for $25 or $50 gas cards, depending on where the treatments are.
She's hoping about 400 people will show up and help put the organization in a better position to spread its message.
"Along with raising funds, we're hoping to get the word out there so people start calling us for help," Roloff said. "We're so new that I don't think a lot of people know who we are yet."
Friday's event will include music by DJ Jayden Thomas, food donated by Burger King, a bucket auction and a lantern ceremony on Lake Okabena, where decorated lanterns will be lighted and released.
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Roloff said the bucket auction is similar to a raffle, but set up like a silent auction. Donated items include restaurant and hotel certificates, as well as homemade quilts. Raffle tickets may be placed in buckets with corresponding item labels.
Regan Roloff said the idea for the lantern theme came from fellow cancer survivor Kristin Schmidt.
"She wanted to do something that was a very beautiful way of either remembering someone that was affected or celebrating someone who's survived," Roloff said. "We want to help as many people as possible because (both of us) know what it's like to go through cancer."
There are about 10-15 volunteers set to help, but Roloff said they can always use more.
"It's a fantastic cause because all of the money stays local," Roloff said. "Every person is touched by cancer one way or another, whether it's a neighbor, friend or family member. It's a great way to help them."
Lanterns for the event may be purchased at participating area businesses, by contacting the Roloff's at (507) 827-2697 or online at www.cancerdoesntdiscriminate.org .
Roloff, who is currently cancer-free, said her message to families dealing with cancer is to never lose faith or hope, and always keep fighting.
Daily Globe Reporter Kayla Strayer may be reached at 376-7322.
