Relay For Life Raises $90,000

Adair Countians came out in force Friday night at Booster Field to do their part in the battle against cancer by participating in the annual Relay For Life.
And by night’s end – which came a little earlier than normal due to rain – a total of $90,000 had been raised for the American Cancer Society.
“This community is just amazing,” Angie Dean, Relay For Life chairperson, said. “Considering the economic situation we’re all going through, I thought we did extremely well to raise $90,000. It was just everyone coming together for a common cause – the fight against cancer.”
The first rain early came on as Relay teams were setting up their tents, giving a preview of what lay ahead for the evening. However, it did stop for the opening ceremonies.
After the singing of the national anthem and opening prayer – both done by Sharon Payne – Dean recognized all the individuals who served as a part of this year’s Relay organizational team, and thanked them for their efforts, and also recognized the event’s nine Hope Sponsors (who contributed at least $1,000 each).
Dean then called on Sheila Hare to talk about how the funds collected for the American Cancer Society through such events as the Relay For Life benefit cancer victims.
Hare, who’s son, Craig, died after a lengthy battle with cancer, told about the many things provided by the ACS during her son’s treatment, including their staying at an ACS Hope Lodge free of charge when they traveled to cancer centers.
“I thought Sheila did a wonderful job explaining how the American Cancer Society helps out,” Dean said following the event. “Even though a lot of the money we raise might not physically come back to the county, the resources are always there for our people when they need them.”
The teams that raised the most money were recognized. In the business division, the A Class Act team – comprised primarily of school system personnel – was the first-place team, raising over $12,000. Second place went to United Citizens Bank, and third place went to First and Farmers National Bank.
In the church and/or family division, Team SWAT – the Irvin family – was the top fund-raiser.
Each cancer survivor that was present at the event was then recognized, with each being presented with a medallion.
The “Relay” part of the event – the actual walking – began with the Survivors Lap – and the rain began to fall just as they made their way onto the track.
“A little rain didn’t dampen the survivors’ spirits at all,” Dean said. “They’ve survived a lot more than a little rain.”
Following the Survivors’ Lap, they were joined on the track by care givers, kids fighting cancer, and all the members of the 20 Relay teams.
When darkness fell, one of the most touching parts of the event was held – the Luminary Ceremony – with candles being lit in memory of those who lost the battle against cancer, and in honor of those who have survived.
With rain continuing to fall – heavy at times – throughout the evening, Dean said they finally made a decision to end the Relay at around 11 p.m.
“Despite the rain, I think we had a really good event,” Dean said. “We had around $80,000 when we started the evening, and ended with $90,000.”
As Relay chairperson, Dean said that she wants to express her sincere thanks to everyone that worked so hard to make this year’s event such a success.
“The actual Relay For Life was just the culmination of a lot of hard work and many hours of preparation,” she said. “A lot of the teams do fund-raisers just about all year, and they really kick it in high gear starting around January or February.
“I also want to thank all the members of the Relay For Life committee who did such a wonderful job,” she continued. “And, thanks to all the people in the community who donated to this great cause. We’re all in this battle to find a cure for cancer together.”

Photo:Cancer survivors Charles Barnes (left) and Columbia Mayor Pat Bell (right) lead the Survivor’s Lap at the Adair County Relay for Life last Friday night at Booster Field.
(Photo by Lawrence Harris)