Spring has sprung and with it comes a marathon of fundraisers. Jacobs Strong, the Dax Russell Memorial Races, Encore, Make-A-Wish, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, CASA and others all are underway or gearing up to start, with more sure to come as summer approaches.

Cancer treatment is expensive, children with life-threatening conditions need something to smile about, students need scholarships for college and many local organizations depend on donations to keep their wheels turning.

Organizing and operating each of these events takes time and effort from large teams of volunteers — and their efforts depend on people supporting their cause.

On Saturday, a chili cook-off and cinnamon roll bake-off will be held to help Powell native Andy Jacobs, who is receiving treatment for Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer that’s racked up over $1 million in medical treatment so far.

Fortunately, Jacobs has insurance, but that million-dollar medical bill is estimated to cost him somewhere between $25,000 to $35,000 so far.

The deadline to participate in the cook-off and bake-off is Wednesday, and participation costs $25 for chili and $10 for cinnamon rolls.

The doors open at the Powell Eagles at 9 a.m. Saturday, cooking starts at 11 a.m. and tasting is set for 3:30 p.m.

The cook-off and bake-off also will have live and silent auctions packed with items donated from local businesses — yet another excellent example of how the community is rallying together to help others out.

On the same day, and just down the street, the first of 11 Dax Russell Memorial Races will take place at the Park County Fairgrounds.

The series will go on through October, featuring two demolition derbies, eight bump-and-run races and a mud race.

Brock Ninker and Jeff Miller organized the series in an attempt to give racers and fans a regular outlet, and to raise money for the H&G Foundation. The foundation supports various philanthropic efforts, including housing charities, in Park County. If successful, Ninker would like to have proceeds from the races go toward scholarships for local students who want to attend Northwest College.

Another fundraiser that’s underway may not be packing the same level of horsepower the racers do, but that doesn’t keep it from putting a big dent in filling local needs.

Encore is basically an upscale yardsale that was able to generate about $175,000 in donations for local organizations during its first 10 years. The organization called it quits in 2014, but is making an encore this year with its return — however, now they are starting from scratch, and organizers are seeking clothing donations for their sale that’s set for June 16-19 (see related story on Page 12).

The profits from this year’s Encore fundraiser will be split between Sleeping Giant Ski Area, Yellowstone Behavioral Health Center, Park County Animal Shelter and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

Just putting together and operating this fundraiser takes two or three dozen volunteers, said Encore’s co-chair Jan Eldredge.

That’s for just one fundraiser — and we’ve got several happening.

Also happening this weekend are two Bowl for Kids’ Sake tournaments to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Wyoming. The first one will be for college and high school students at 6 p.m. on Friday at Classic Lanes in Powell.

Then on Saturday, anyone can participate in the tournament from noon to 8 p.m. at Super Bowl in Cody.

First Southern Baptist Church in Powell is also preparring for a charitable event on Saturday. Single moms with children under the age of 18 can participate in an evening of dinner, music, inspiration, fellowships and gifts at 6 p.m. at the church. Carnival games will be set up for the kids during that time as well.

Yet another charitable cause that’s just on the horizon is the Powell High School Student Council’s fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation on April 28 at the PHS commons at 5 p.m. The fundraiser will also feature a chili cook-off, live and silent auctions and a band performance.

Make-A-Wish helps make dreams come true for children who face life-threatening illnesses, so every dollar earned at this fundraiser is a step closer to making kids’ dreams a reality.

Another upcoming fundraiser is also geared toward children in need of help — the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children is currently selling raffle tickets for an 8-foot by 13-foot playhouse with a drawing set for April 30. Tickets may be purchased at the Powell Tribune or in Cody at The Thistle and Legends Bookstore.

We often do a thumbs up when something good is happening. But for the people who volunteer their time, talents and resources to help others out, and for those who support their causes, something bigger seems appropriate. So, we give an epic and elaborate high-five to the Big Horn Basin’s army of volunteers and their supporters, and wish each group good luck in their endeavors.