Two Albert Lea women have come up with a sweet way to benefit the Freeborn County American Cancer Society’s Relay for life.

Lisa Kluver and Darcy Rice were part of the Trinity Lutheran Church Relay team, Monica’s Marauders, that raised more than $4,000 for the Relay this year. The team was in honor of church member Monica Nelson, a cancer survivor.

“We wanted to better ourselves for next year,” said Rice, “so we thought about what we could do to raise money all year long.”

Added Kluver, “It’s our challenge to see what we can do in a year.”

They came up with the idea of making candy bouquets. The candies are kept in place with hot glue and push pins. The pair started with a book, then let their own imaginations take over.

“We’re always looking for new candies,” Rice said.

So far, they have sold them at Ellendale’s Christmas in the Country and after brunches at Trinity Lutheran. They’ll have a display at Mary L Creative Studio in the former Broadway Theatre building and in the spring will have them available at Hilltop Greenhouse. They’re also looking into the possibility of selling them at the Albert Lea Farmers Market as well as along the route of the Albert Lea July 3 parade.

“And if any business was willing to set up a display, we’d keep them stocked,” Rice said.

The pair have candy bouquets for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, new babies, anniversaries and most any other holiday or event that a person could imagine. They can make them with regular or sugar-free candy and most bouquets range in price from $8 to $20, depending on the size.

Rice said people from their church as well as a store in Brainerd, where her mother lives, have donated mugs and other containers for their bouquets.

Anyone who wishes to order a bouquet or purchase one already made can call Rice at 402-7886 or Kluver at 383-6808.

In addition to the candy bouquets, the Trinity Relay for Life team has held a rummage sale and brunches to raise money for the team. In addition, they sell 50/50 tickets at the Lansing Raceway.