TO THE EDITOR: THE NORTHFIELD NEWS ON FRIDAY, July 30, 2010, Vermonters will be dressing down for an important cause, the fight against cancer.

The American Cancer Society is designating July 30 as Vermont’s First Relay For Life Dress Down Day. We are asking all Vermont companies to allow their employees to donate $5.00 to dress down or wear purple in remembrance or honor a loved one. All proceeds go directly to the American Cancer Society to help fund cancer research, patient programs and services, education, and advocacy.

This special day gives us an opportunity to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost their fight with the disease.

In Vermont, of the 3,550 people diagnosed with cancer this year, 1,900 will be served with American Cancer Society patient-related information or patient programs. We would like to invite your business to be a contributor to our success. It is support from local businesses which helps us to continue to reach milestones, nearing our 2015 goals to reduce the incidence of cancer by 25%, reduce mortality from cancer by 50%, and measurably improve the quality of life for those facing this disease.

Each work site will receive a Dress Down Day kit to help make the day more fun and meaningful for everyone involved. Kits include:

• 5 Posters to help promote Dress Down Day

• Stickers for each employee participating

• Balloons • Collection envelope

• Self return addressed envelope

• Information about American Cancer Society services in Vermont

• A certificate to display in your lobby, lunch room or highly trafficked area recognizing July 30 as Relay For Life Dress Down Day

This fundraiser is part of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, an overnight event that raises funds and awareness to fight cancer. Dedicated teams of friends, families, and coworkers commit to keeping at least one member walking around a track or path ... because cancer never sleeps.

Please show the community you care by taking part in our first ever Relay For Life Dress Down Day. To register your work site or for more information, contact Tanya.walker@cancer.org or 802-872-6314.

TANYA WALKER American Cancer Society