Groovin’ for a Cure • Community unity prevalent at Relay


Thursday, June 14, 2012
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Groovin’ for a Cure
• Community unity prevalent at Relay

By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer

Photos by Sue Watson

Connie Mason (left), committee co-chair with Marshall County Relay for Life, shares a happy moment with Amy Wilkes, staffer with the American Cancer Society in Oxford, and Melvin DeBerry.

The 13th annual Marshall County Relay for Life, that raises money for the American Cancer Society’s effort to stamp out cancer, drew a large crowd to Coopwood Park Friday.

The event, a mixture of religious sentiment, patriotism and community pride, is put on yearly to raise cancer awareness and to raise money for cancer research and support for those undergoing treatment.

All local volunteers organize the Relay each year and come up with teams who are willing to raise money for the cure.

Sonja Wilkins performs in memory of those who have lost their lives to cancer.

Over 25 teams participated this year. The theme was “Groovin’ for a Cure.”

First place winners in the most funds raised went to Mt. Pisgah CME Church team that raised $3,573.41. Linda Wilson, committee chairman, was team captain.

Second place winner was Trinity Mission Health and Rehab of Holly Springs that raised $3,041. Team captain was Releitra Pegues.

Third place winner was Carlisle’s Big Star that raised $3,005.85. Team captain was Frances Thomas.

Other top contributors were Holly Springs-Marshall County Rust Club, $2,645, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, $2,342.

Sponsors that donated $500 to the cure included Brittenum Funeral Home, Merchants & Farmers Bank, The Believers, American Pacific and Rust College.

Sponsors contributing $250 included Northeast Mississippi Health Care, Inc., New Hope MB Church, Byhalia Middle School Pom Pom Squad, Wilkins Chapel CME Church, Sylvester and Mable Lester, Miller and Taylor family, Marshall County Schools and Byers Law Firm.

Other support and donations were provided by Pizza Hut, KFC, Marshall County Homemakers Club, Walmart, Jennie’s Flowers & Gifts, The South Reporter and WURC FM 88.1.

Carlisle’s Big Star won best campsite. Second best campsite went to Beta Sigma Phi.

The award for Most Spirit went to Gray’s Chapel C.M.E. Church.

Photos by Sue Watson

Brittany Tice and Frances Westmoreland decorate for the Big Star Baggers, winners of the best campsite.

The Sunrise Award that goes to the team with the most people who stayed the entire night went to Carlisle’s Big Star.

“We thank everyone who helped with this life-changing event,” Wilson said. “We are asking for donations from churches, businesses and individuals, because we did not meet our goal ($70,000).”

The 2012 Relay has until August to continue collecting money on this year’s Relay.

Make checks payable to the American Cancer Society and mail them to Linda Wilson, 2750 Highway 178 West, Holly Springs, MS 38635.

“Every dollar is a help toward a cure for this dreaded disease,” Wilson said.

The Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. Church team won the award for most money raised.

Connie Mason, who has served on the committee since its inception, had this to say about why she continues to help organize for the Relay. She served as co-chair this year.

“I have not had cancer but I look at it as keeping my insurance paid up,” she said.

“Thank yous” go out to the emcees, Jerry Moore and Rodney Whaley, the many entertainers, and the Holly Springs Air Force Jr. ROTC Drill Team.

Special thanks to the City of Holly Springs for its continued support of the event.

Preparing the luminaria are Logan Liddy and Ruth Ann Prather.

A wrap-up meeting is set for June 28 at 5 p.m. at the Marshall County Library where this year’s lessons will be discussed. Bring ideas with you to volunteer and help plan the 2013 Relay. Anyone interested in holding a position on the Relay Committee is encouraged to attend this meeting.

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