The Luverne United Methodist Church Relay For Life team held a spaghetti supper Feb. 7 at the former Lawhon's Restaurant building, and according to LUMC Relay Chairman Ellen Solomon, everything is off to a good start.

&#8220We were very upset about things because of the fire at the church,” Solomon said. &#8220But Ken (Rev. Ken Jackson) pulled us up and said that we were going through with things just like we had planned.”

On Feb. 7, the church's Relay For Life team raised approximately $3,400 for the cancer benefit as they auctioned off homemade cookies, candy, old-fashioned teacakes and homemade cakes, in addition to the spaghetti supper plates they sold.

&#8220This has been the biggest, most hard-working Relay team we've ever had,” she said. &#8220We've never made that much money on just one activity before.”

Brian Richardson and Becky Richardson are the team's co-chairs.

However, the spaghetti supper was just the beginning.

On Saturday, March 10, the LUMC Relay team will have its &#8220Rock-a-thon” from 8 a.m. until noon in downtown Luverne. Solomon said that the rocking chairs would be placed either in front of the Harrison Cultural Center along South Forest Avenue or in front of Dr. Pat Walker's Gingerbread House and antique store. In addition, teenagers will be collecting money from passersby in cars all the way from the streetlight at the post office up to 6th Avenue.

&#8220The people who have come through over the years have always been so generous,” she said. &#8220So many people contribute to this cause, especially cancer survivors themselves.”

During the month of April, the LUMC Relay team will be selling tickets for pizza orders. Those who order the pizzas will be able to pick them up at Lawhon's building. More information will be announced about that fundraiser at a later time.

Solomon wanted to thank not only all of the volunteers and team members, but she also wanted to give a special note of thanks to Dr. William Beall for allowing them the use of the Lawhon's building for as long as they needed it.

&#8220With everything that has happened, Brother Ken has pulled us all together to keep things going strong,” Solomon said. &#8220It just goes to show you what can be done when everyone pulls together no matter what the circumstances are.”