The Ice Bucket Challenge has swept America and parts abroad this summer and raised unanticipated millions of dollars to fight ALS. People immerse themselves in a nerve-numbing water bath and give money as well, hoping to help save patients from nerve-killing Lou Gehrig’s disease. We hope it works. The idea was brilliant.

The Relay for Life, which got its start with one individual walking a track in 1985, seems to have involved nearly everyone who has had cancer, or had a family member with cancer, or a friend with cancer. Given cancer’s prevalence, that means almost everyone raises money for, participates in, or gives to this world-class fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The concept and design of Relay for Life are ingenious. 

Hmmm…must think local nonprofit organizations, many of them equally worthy and usually cash-strapped. How can we get donations when these big groups are doing so much? There is only so much money to give.

The answer is amazing...