Photo by Sue Watson
Some key ideas expressed at the Relay are displayed. From left are Shauneille “Minnie Mouse” Mason, Eileen Dowsing, Yvonne, Fred and Joyce Holland, and Freddie Jeffries.
Photos by Sue Watson
Sharing a big hug are Earlene Hearn and Prentis Boatwright.
Cancer survivors take their lap around the field at Sam Coopwood Park to kick off the 18th annual Marshall County Relay For Life.
Ishmell and Jo Edwards, representing the sister and brother fraternity and sorority Delta Alpha Theta and Omega Psi Phi, cook up plenty of good food.
A luminaria is in memory of Patricia Selman, former Holly Springs police chief.
Armastine Gipson, Zeta Phi Beta, has some fun as she walks around the track. She sang the National Anthem to open the Relay.
Members of the Holly Springs United Methodist Church, Christians for a Cancer Cure, join in the Relay For Life walk.
County Relay For Life successful
The 18th Annual Marshall County Relay For Life, that raises money for the American Cancer Society, had a very good turnout Friday at Sam Coopwood Park.
“I thought it was successful in terms of people and money raised,” said Lisa Liddy with the Relay planning committee. “I’ve heard we are one of the best in the North Mississippi area.”
Thirty teams participated in the event, which began in 2000.
Lisa Liddy, with the bank committee, reported money is still coming in and the account has $44,451 as of Monday this week.
Chair Linda Wilson was pleased with the attendance and with the entertainment. This year’s goal is $73,000 and Marshall County raised $79,000 last year, she said.
“Celebrate, remember, fight back, and never give up,” Wilson said. “We are all here for the same reason. Cancer is a disease that never sleeps. This is six hours you will never forget.”
Holly Springs Mayor Kelvin Buck helped open the evening by thanking the sponsors and the committees who worked so hard to put the Relay together.
The Relay, held for the last several years at the Marshall County Fair-grounds, returned this year to Sam Coopwood Park, the location historically used for the event.
“I have had family members who have been touched with cancer,” Buck said. “We remember those who have gone on, and those who fight every day to defeat cancer. Your effort will one day result in the complete defeat of cancer.”
Each year teams are recognized for the most money raised and for the best camp sites.
Most money raised again this year was Mt. Pisgah CME Church which collected $5,500. Second place was Bionic Believers (MTC) with $4,233. Third place winner was Reid’s Gift MB Church with $2,506.
First place in best campsites went to Mt. Pisgah CME Church. Second place was Newell Chapel CME, and third place was Walmart.
The lineup for entertainment was impressive, according to Pat Boga with the entertainment committee. The Holly Springs High School Cheerleaders and Jazzy’s Dancers were the first on the field after Armastine Gipson sang the National Anthem.
Three soloists took to the stage, Megan Tate, Darlene LeSueur and Junior Cheairs.
Voices of Praise and the SouthernAires gospel groups sang, Kimbrough Chapel provided a puppet show, and Catherine Todd gave her personal story as a cancer survivor.
Sharon Goodman-Hill and Pat Boga served as emcees. Harold Moncrief operated the sound system and Kevin Thomas provided the stage.
There will be a wrap-up meeting July 6 at 5:15 p.m. at the Marshall County Library. All team captains, committee members, and anyone interested in heading up a committee or serving on a committee are invited to attend.
Registered teams this year included:
1. Mt. Pisgah CME Church
2. Christians For A Cancer Cure ( First United Methodist Church, Holly Springs)
3. Hopewell #1 MB Church
4. Alliance HealthCare
5. Smith Grove MB Church
6. Newell Chapel CME Church
7. Mt. Zion MB Church
8. Mt. Ollie MB Church
9. Reid’s Gift MB Church and Friends
10. Community Crusaders Combating Cancer (Grays Chapel/Hudsonville Community)
11. HSMCC/UFAC (Holly Springs Marshall County Club)
12, Stepping Sensations
13. Walton Warriors (Walton Chapel CME Church, Waterford)
14. Sandhill MB Church (Ashland)
15. Mt. Comfort/SCP
16. Calvin Chapel UM Church
17. Asbury UM Church
18. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
19. Bionic Believers (Marshall County Correction)
20. Sanders Chapter #85 (Eastern Star of Ashland)
21. Rayford’s All-Stars
22. Hamilton Chapel CME Church
23. Phi Beta Sigma
24. HSMC Delta Sigma Theta
25. Sons of Blood and Thunder (Omegas)
26. Order of Eastern Star D. Shipp
27. Bud’s Run
28. Bankers For Life (Merchants & Farmers Bank
29. Team Bobby (Bobby Harris Family)
30. Christ Episcopal Church
31. Walmart
Event sponsors this year included:
• Walmart (largest sponsor) and they also set up as a team.
• J.F. Brittenum & Son Funeral Home
• Omicron Alpha Omega Chapter of AKA
• Beta Sigma Phi Sorority
• Merchants & Farmers Bank
• Holly Springs Garden Club
• First State Bank
• Rust College
• City of Holly Springs (for the use of the park)
• Kevin Thomas for the use of the stage
• Kirkwood International (golf carts)
Media sponsors included WKRA 92.7 The Change, The South Reporter and WURC Radio 88.1 FM (Rust College).
The program booklet was supported by the Marshall County Board of Supervisors, South Center Printing, Order of Eastern Star D. Shipp, Walton Chapel and Hines Reweaving.