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Bland Relay for Life

By WAYNE QUESENBERRY/Staff

Cathy Whitt is happy her stint as chairman of the 2008 Bland County Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society was a success. Under her direction, last Friday’s event raised $62,198.37 for the fight against cancer with more donations expected.
“I’m so pleased with the way everything went,” Whitt stated earlier this week. “The support of the entire community has been wonderful. It takes everyone to make Relay for Life work so well. All the committees do their jobs and I never had to worry about people not doing their jobs.”
This year’s theme was “Vote for a Cure.”
The Survivors and Caregivers Walks and lighting of the luminaries to spell H-O-P-E were highlights of activities Friday night and Saturday for Whitt. The number of children and teenagers involved in Relay for Life was another, according to her.
“I’m a cancer survivor,” Whitt remarked. “Cancer runs in my family and I’ve been a caregiver twice. It’s been rewarding and a blessing to me to be able to give back to the community.”
Rain delayed Friday night’s opening ceremony at the Bland County Fairgrounds for 10 minutes. It failed to dampen the spirits of the 14 teams and other participants.
The Strock Family & Friends Relay for Life Team raised the most money this year. Its 31 members collected $17,098 for the American Cancer Society.
Winning second place was the BB&T Relay for Life Team. It raised $5,866.
The Courthouse Cruisers Relay for Life Team placed third in collections. Its donations totaled $5,081.
Relay for Life teams from churches, businesses, other groups and individuals have worked most of the year to raise money. They have sponsored everything from bake sales to raffles.
This year’s award for Best Overall campsites was won by the Wilderness Lighthouse Relay for Life Team. The theme was “The Wizard of Oz.”
Second place went to the Central United Methodist Church Relay for Life Team for Best Campsite. Waves of Hope Relay for Life Team captured third place for Best Cancer Theme. Honorable mention went to Strock Family & Friends for its campsite.
To win the Spirit Award, teams must display a cheerleading attitude and enthusiasm throughout the 24-hour event. The Courthouse Cruisers captured first place in this year’s category.
The Bland County Volunteer Rescue Squad Relay for Life Team won second place for the Spirit Award. The Strock Family & Friends team placed third.
The Womanless Beauty Contest raised additional money as attendees paid to vote for their favorites. Bland County Administrator Jonathan D. Sweet won first place as People’s Choice while Leon Lambert finished in second place.
“There was entertainment all night long,” Whitt added. “And we had walkers on the track all night long. The Boy Scouts from Troop 12 helped us so much with whatever had to be done. They said they were going to have a team next year.”
While Whitt ends her two-year term as chairman, she passes the role to the capable hands of April Dutton, who served as this year’s events chairman. Whitt plans to lend her support again next year.
“I took the job to help,” Whitt said. “I feel good about it. I feel like it’s time for a change and new ideas. I know April will do a good job.”
Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 1-800-655-1406 or .