Shuffle raises more than $150K

The American Cancer Society got a hefty donation from the Red Wing area as Mississippi Shuffle Relay for Life participants collectively raised more than $150,000 at this year’s event.

The Shuffle, which was held Aug. 10 at Bay Point Park, saw both an increase in donations and an increase in people from last year’s turnout.

“We had a really, really great year,” American Cancer Society spokeswoman Samantha Rother said. “The weather cooperated and it was a beautiful night to be down at the park.”

Teams of up to 15 people gathered under clear skies starting at 5:45 p.m. for the opening ceremony. As the night continued, team members were able to see the lighting of the luminaries and hear from this year’s honorary chairperson and cancer survivor.

“Laurie Jorgensen brought a lot of enthusiasm to the event and everyone really enjoyed hearing her story,” Rother said.

The overnight affair resulted in some tired participants, but also saw a lot of proceeds collected for cancer research.

“The volunteer committee didn’t have a goal in mind, but I think it’s always to top last year,” Rother said.

If that was the goal, it was more than achieved. Last year totaled about $127,000 and this year boasted $150,392.05. Additionally, the Shuffle saw better attendance at its 2012 event with 634 team members registering to walk. Just under 550 people registered in 2011.

In the same way numbers increased this year, Rother said she’s hoping to see a similar pattern next August as the Mississippi Shuffle celebrates its 25th anniversary.

“I think we’ll be shooting really high,” she said.

The Shuffle is always scheduled for the weekend after Red Wing’s River City Days. It will be Friday Aug. 9, 2013.

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