Grant County Relay for Life participants are raising money for the third annual Daffodil Days by selling flowers.

Daffodil Days, a nationwide fundraiser that began over 30 years ago, is the oldest fundraiser sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Brittany Lee, American Cancer Society community relations representative, said.

“The idea to use daffodils was because it represents the idea of hope for being the first flower to bloom after winter,” Lee said. “To give hope to cancer patients when they see survivors and have hope for a future without cancer.”

The last day to put in orders is Feb. 8, Patti Mitch, Daffodil Days chair and help desk manager, said. Funds raised through Daffodil Days go to team or individual Relay for Life totals.

If a Relay for Life team sells over $375, their team registration fee for Relay for Life of $150 is waived, Lee said.

Items for sale range in prices of $8 to $75, and those interested in giving something to a local cancer patient can purchase a Gift of Hope for $15. This bouquet of daffodils in a blue vase is delivered anonymously to random local cancer survivors, Mitch said.

A cancer survivor includes those who live with cancer and those who are in remission, Mitch said.

“Cancer is so prevalent, I can’t think of anyone who isn’t affected by cancer someway,” Mitch said. “This is a way of helping, trying to make a difference and make lives better.”

Last year there were 50 Gifts of Hope purchased and delivered to cancer survivors in Grant County, Mitch said. This year’s goal is to have more than 50 Gifts of Hope purchased.

“What’s really awesome is that the cost of the daffodils is so low from the supplier, that almost all the money made is going to be a profit for the American Cancer Society,” Mitch said.

For every bunch of daffodils, that includes eight flowers, the American Cancer Society paid $1 and is selling a bunch for $8, Lee said.

The money raised through Daffodil Days will help the American Cancer Society to fund research, education, advocacy and patient services, Lee said.

Last year, Alissa Gunst, Kappa Delta Pi president and Relay for Life participant, raised $459, the most raised in all of Grant County, Lee said.

“I think Daffodil Days is a good program to help the American Cancer Society and it’s a great program to help raise more funds,” Gunst said.

Relay for Life has an open house from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 at St. Augustine University Church.