A fantastic attitude, generous corporate sponsors and a host of volunteers contributed to the American Cancer Society raising over $44,000 in the Relay for Life Event held Friday night at C.F. Russell Stadium.
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A fantastic attitude, generous corporate sponsors and a host of volunteers contributed to the American Cancer Society raising over $44,000 in the Relay for Life Event held Friday night at C.F. Russell Stadium.
The perfect weather didn?t hurt either, as 240 participants representing 19 teams spent the night walking the track. The teams raised a total of $44,470 for research, education, advocacy and service programs for the American Cancer Society. The Grundy County Unit of the ACS had set a goal of raising $25,000 during the event.
Terry Toms, chairman of this year?s relay, said she cannot pinpoint exactly why the event was so successful this year, but the attitude of those planning and participating was wonderful and played a large part. She applauded the 86 cancer survivors who participated in the opening lap and the survivor recognition.
?They are the reason we continue the fight because each year there can be more and more people living wonderful lives following a diagnosis of cancer,? she said.
Ms. Toms also noted that there were 700 luminarias shining during the luminaria ceremony in honor of survivors and those who have lost their battle with cancer.
Several awards were given during the awards ceremony, including the following: Dockery Chapel Church, best theme; PAR Broadcasting, best decorated campsite; Young, Foster and Buckner families, best team spirit; Modine, most laps by a team (179); most laps by an individual, Ben Stamper and Darren Sweeny, tie (108 laps, 27 miles); Owens family, most luminaries sold by a team (72); Ben Stamper, most money raised by an individual ($1,535); and Wright Memorial Hospital, most money raised by a team ($5,033).
Ms. Toms expressed her appreciation for the large number of volunteers and corporate sponsors who made this year?s event so successful. Committee members this year included Lanah Stottlemyre, Sandy Smith, Kayla Clark, Gay Urton, Peggy Pipes, Margaret Chapman, Kathy Spears, David Burkeybile, Molly Long, Jennifer Westcott and Connie Hoffman.
Corporate sponsors included ConAgra Grocery Products, Barnes Baker Automotive, Gifts by Garcia, Wright Memorial Hospital, Sunnyview Nursing Home, Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri, Ivy Nook Floral, Hy-Vee, Citizens Bank and Trust, Farmers State Bank, Grundy County Health Department, North Central Missouri College, Money Unlimited, Dockery Chapel Church, Global Instruments, Modine Manufacturing, Dr. J.A. and Chris Keuhn, Galt Christian Church, US Bank, Precious Fairy Tales, IGA,Republican-Times and PAR Broadcasting.
Ms. Toms said the great showing at the event and amount of money raised indicates that local residents are serious about fighting the disease.
?The outstanding support received proves that the people of Grundy County are truly committed to the fight against cancer,? she said. ?Thank you for supporting the American Cancer Society and remember, it?s not too early to become involved in Relay for Life for next year.?