It’s time again join your friends and neighbors in the fight against cancer here in Mower County, and we encourage everyone to get involved in some small way.

Two big cancer-fighting events are kicking into gear: The Lyle Area Cancer Auction returns this weekend, and Paint the Town Pink held its kickoff on Tuesday ahead of a string of events later this month and next month.

First, let’s look at the impressive numbers these folks have put up:

The two events have combined to raise $3.2 million for cancer research — LAC has raised $2.4 million  since 1980, while PTTP has raised $826,000 since 2011, and both are likely to surpass milestones this year: $2.5 million for LAC and $1 million for PTTP.

In 2016 alone, LAC raised $227,000 and PTTP $272,000.

Second, let’s talk about the money:

PTTP’s money all goes to The Hormel Institute, where it funds seed grants for scientists. They use the money to then seek larger amounts of federal funding. Since the The Hormel Foundation provides annual support for The Institute, all PTTP money goes to research.

LAC will pledge the money from its 38th annual auction to the 63rd Eagles Cancer Telethon in Rochester on Jan. 14. That money supports groups like The Hormel Institute’s cancer research, Mayo Clinic Health System and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota.

Third, let’s talk about community:

LAC and PTTP both encompass several events peppered throughout the year. While most PTTP events like Paint the Rink Pink and Plunging for Pink happen each January and February, LAC includes events such Spin for a Cure, Farmboy Barbecue and Halfway to January Cancer Bash throughout the year. All that’s to say: These fundraisers thrive through several events that succeed with the planning,  help and participation of hundreds of volunteers.

Through these events, one thing becomes clear: They thrive through the efforts of the volunteers running the events and the many people participating and contributing money. There’s no magic bullet in raising money or fighting cancer — every dollar helps and every donation helps.

On Tuesday, PTTP Director Kathy Finley praised area residents for all they do in fighting cancer.

“You’d be hard pressed to find another area that is as generous and caring as our area is,” Finley said.

Let’s all prove her right again by driving LAC and PTTP to big fundraising years.