Supporters raise $82,700 at Relay For Life
Local cancer survivors took their traditional lap around the track at this year’s Relay For Life last Friday.
The unseasonably cool weather that came through the area last Friday night didn’t stop the dedicated group of community members who came out to support the annual Franklin County Relay For Life event.
This year’s crowd was visibly smaller than year’s past, but event chairperson Belinda Johnson said she still believed the event was a success.
“The team turn out this year was low, and the stadium was not very full,” she said.
“But we still had many who came out in support of our survivors and of the fight against cancer, and anytime we can raise money and raise awareness for that fight, even if we were small in number, we have done what we set out to do. I just wish we could have done even more.”
The total amount of money raised for this year’s Relay For Life came out to $82,700, but Johnson said it wasn’t too late for people to still make a contribution to help Franklin County reach their goal.
“We have until August to turn in additional money,” she said.
“If anyone would like to donate, they can send a check to the American Cancer Society office in Florence and indicate it to go to Franklin County Relay, they can go online and donate to one of the teams in Franklin County or an individual, or they can bring the money to me at Russellville Hospital.”
Entertainment for the evening was provided by local musical favorite Rewind, who has generously donated their time and talents to the Relay For Life for the past several years.
And the event was highlighted by the Survivor’s Lap and the Luminaria Ceremony, which are always special times of celebration and remembrance for those who have battled cancer or who have a loved one who has battled cancer.
“The survivors are definitely the highlights of the evening,” she Johnson said.
“I love seeing them all out there and their balloon release was so beautiful.
“The luminary ceremony is also a highlight, especially with the addition of the three torch bearers who walked the track during the ceremony that represented those we have lost to cancer, those who have survived cancer and those who are currently battling cancer.”
Johnson said she also loved giving out awards to those teams and individuals who are dedicated to the event and to the fight against cancer.
Awards were given out for the following accomplishments: Top corporate fundraiser -Russellville Hospital; Top fundraising team – St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church; Top individual fundraiser – Milton Brown; Rookie Team of the Year – Team L&L; Volunteer of the Year – Karen Thompson; and the Jimmy Fleming Spirit of Relay Award – Jolene Stockton.
Others recognized included Amy’s Avengers for Best T-shirt design; and the Top Campsite awards went to Russellville Hospital (1st place), Getting it 2Gether for Gladys (2nd place), and Russellville Civitans (3rd place).
Johnson said planning will soon begin for next year’s Relay and she hoped more people in the community would choose to take an active role in the event.
“I wish we could get the area businesses and churches interested in Relay again and that we knew what the community would like to see out of Relay to make it something everyone looks forward to attending,” Johnson said.
“Every year we want this to be the best event it can be because we want to make an impact and help people who have to battle this awful disease, and any input from the community is welcomed and appreciated.
“For this year, I want to personally thank every team that was out there and every person who has raised money.
“I appreciate these people so much and I want them to know that the time they give to Relay is helping so many people and touching so many lives. And a special thanks to Tim Alford, Blaze Bishop, Rewind, and the RHS JROTC for volunteering their time to this year’s event.”
