Randy Garrison

Hartselle Enquirer

Despite being moved inside due to the threat of rain, the 2016 Relay for Life event was well attended and a generous amount of money was raised during Friday’s event. While the forecast caused the relay committee to move the night’s events inside the Sparkman Civic Center, rain only fell for a short time on Friday afternoon.

However, regardless of not being outside, when the survivors began their walk around the track area that had been set-up, one could not help but think about the battle that many of those walking had endured. Also several who made the trek around the floor of the gymnasium are still hard at work battling the disease of cancer. The caregivers and family members were then asked to join the survivors as they continued to make their way around the gym. Smile after smile could be seen as the walkers could feel the support those on the sidelines, were offering to them as they walked.

There were 18 teams in this year’s Relay for Life event. Each team planned and carried out its own fundraising activities for this year. There were events that included fern sales, Tº-shirt sales, food sales, knockerball tournaments and much, much more. While the goal of Relay is to raise funds for cancer research and treatment, bringing awareness to cancer prevention and screening, as well had to offer support to those battling the disease and to hold in memory those who have been lost to cancer.

The night’s activities included bra pong, where those who tried to bounce a ping pong ball into a ladies’ bra that was attached to a board. For only $.50 you could have five ping-pong balls to try your luck and win a prize. There was food for sale, a cakewalk, inflatables, corn hole and many other activities to enjoy and fellowship with all who were in attendance. Approximately 200 people joined in the fun and activities on the recent Friday evening.

During the time period beginning at 6 p.m. and ending around 11 p.m., approximately $13,000 additional money was raised for the event. This brings the total to approximately $48,000 in funds that were raised since last year’s Relay for Life.

The 2016 Relay for Life Committee would like to express their sincere thanks to all who played a part in this year’s event. From teams, to those who came and supported the event and contributed and to those who have experienced the disease first hand. Relay 2017 will be getting organized in late fall and anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to do so.