Foot soldiers

911 - Please call in a pedicure specialist immediately. Seven men will put on the high heels and take a 15-block walk to the Relay For Life event at the Clay County Fairgrounds Friday, July 23. If the money is right that is. (Photo by Randy M. Cauthron) [Order this photo]

When it comes to Relay For Life the sky is the limit when it comes to fundraising creativity at Northwest Bank.

Bank President Dean Jacobsen has grown his hair out then shaved it off, danced the hula on the corner of Fourth and Grand during lunch hour in a coconut bra and grass skirt, jumped on a bike and logged miles for dollars. And those he has worked with have been with him raising money and cheering him on every step of the way.

This year, they literally will be with him every step of the way.

Jacobsen, four other males employees of the local bank and a pair of employee spouses, are ready to let their "walkin' do their talkin'."

If the bank is able to generate $7,000, the Spencer branch president, along with Eric VanDer Heide, commercial account representative; Jeff Thomas, assistant vice president; Greg Post, Northwest Bank president; Dan Hassman, senior lender; Keith Roethler, Johnston Auto Store manager; and Mike Slattery, Sara Lee Bakery route sales representative will walk from the bank's downtown location to the Clay County Fairgrounds Friday, July 23, during the early stages of the Relay For Life celebration. Doesn't sound all that impressive at first, but the seven men will be making the 15-plus block walk wearing red high heels.

The total amount currently collected is just over $5,200. Jacobsen said that while they are shooting for $7,500 to make the walk a reality, he would like to see the final total reach the $10,000 mark.

The idea was conceived by the bank's Relay For Life Committee "Loan Arangers."

"I don't know who came up with the idea, but I don't like them anymore," Jacobsen said with a grin.

Plans call for the walkers to depart the bank at approximately 6 p.m. with an ETA of 6:55 p.m. at the fairgrounds. The time leaves necessary room for potential spills along the way.

To add to the fun, arrangements have been made for Nancy Raska and friends from Design Masters to come to the bank around 5 p.m. and help make the men "look good" for their walk. Wigs, makeup and accessories could come into play.

So what won't Jacobsen and his team do in the name of cancer research?

"There are a few things. I don't know what they are. I've done things for Relay For Life that I certainly wouldn't do on a normal day," admitted Jacobsen. "But if someone else can benefit from our humiliation, well..."

Donations to the Northwest Bank Relay For Life fund can be made at the bank. Donors will have an opportunity to have their donation shoe tag hung on the wall at Northwest Bank. The shoe tags are issued for $5, $10, $25, $50 and $100 donors. Donations can also be sent to the bank: Northwest Bank, Attn: Susan Thim, 101 W. Fifth St., Spencer, IA 51301.