June 23-24 was the fifth Relay for Life held in Delaware County with this year’s Relay raising $90,000 for cancer research and Delaware County patient services. Forty teams with 444 walkers walked for 12 hours overnight to help raise this record-breaking amount of money. American Cancer Society/Delaware County board members, along with Relay committee members, corporate sponsorship committee, team recruitment are pleased and surprised by the amount of money that was raised at the event.

Delaware County Board Chairperson Jill Goos said, “Delaware County residents showed their spirit with many cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) showing up to participate as well. It was very touching and emotional for all of us.”

Comments by other participants at the Relay were:

Lori Pugh, who has participated in all five Relays, stated, “I really thought the butterfly release was neat; it seemed like a symbol of a new beginning.”

Jackie Niehaus, a one-year cancer survivor said, “It was a very emotional experience for me getting together with family and friends who have supported me through my cancer and came to celebrate and support me through the Relay. It’s great to see the support that comes from the people in Delaware County…just a fun evening for everyone.”

Wilma Hatch, also a cancer survivor, said, “Comments of people who participated were impressed and pleased with what transpired, and I feel we need to be very appreciative of the people who helped organize and make the Relay such a huge success.”

Dick Hood, cancer survivor, said, “I thought the event was very well organized and was pleased that they had cancer survivors introduce themselves and say what type of cancer and years of survivorship, which gives hope to those recently diagnosed.”

“Staying up all night long and enjoying all the entertainment and games,” was Julie Funke’s comment. Julie, who is also a cancer survivor, also said, “the event was very motivational.”

Monies raised at this year’s Relay for Life was the result of the numerous gold, silver and bronze sponsors, along with underwriters and donations received from throughout the county. Also for the first time this year, a live auction was held with all items donated to the cause. The auction raised over $3,800. Also for the first-time was a silent auction as well as the butterfly release.

Goos further said, “this was also the first year for the survivors to introduce themselves prior to the survivors first lap on the track, and this seemed to be well received by not only the survivors, but the spectators as well.”

“Relay for Life is an event that could not take place without all the people in the background spending months, late hours preparing for the event which includes the board members, all the committee people under entertainment, decorations, kid games, food stand, Relay store, education, etc., grounds and logistics, team recruitment and corporate sponsorship and bookkeeping,” said Goos. “ Also helping the event be successful is the volunteers who help at the actual event along with the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Delaware County Beef and Pork groups and the Knights of Columbus. We could not do it without them,” said Goos.

The top ten teams and individuals raising money for this year’s Relay for Life include:

TEAM
Chrissy’s Cancer Crew - $4,463.50
Steger Family - 3,682.53
M & M Walking Team I - $3,239.00
M & M Walking Team II - $3,018.19
Widner’s Wellness Walkers- $2,890.34
Rockwell Collins - $2,719.85
Our Savior Lutheran Church - $2,692.27
Thomsen Ins. -$2,300.41
Erickson Construction - $2,203.50
Ryan Shamrocks $2,131.00

INDIVIDUALS
Amy Gaul - $1,443
Rhonda Mensen - $1,142
Tom Ryan - $786
Jane Mesch - $673
Rosie Moorman - $650
Donna Logan - $625.40
Peggy Petlon - $611.90
Lori Pugh - $610
Julie Gillihan - $565
Jaci Zieser - $500

All monies raised at this year’s Relay for Life will fund further research programs, education and advocacy and service programs for cancer patients and their families. The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer.

First Baptist Church in Manchester will be doing something unusual during the month of August.

“We wanted the opportunity to do more than talk about Jesus on Sunday morning,” said Pastor Jake Each. “We wanted to do something that he would have done.”

So, each Sunday in August, after the regular Sunday service, the congregation will be opening a ‘store’ in the basement of the church, located at 113 East Butler Street.

The ‘store’ will be giving away free school supplies to any guest that attended that day’s service.