FREDERICKTOWN — The 12th annual Relay for Life, held at the Fredericktown High School stadium, ended at noon on Saturday. The total raised was $105,875.51, which will benefit the American Cancer Society.
Tired participants, some of whom had walked all night, rested and celebrated as awards were presented for most money raised. It was an emotional moment for ACS Income Development Coordinator Evie Collins.
“I’m going to cry,” she told the crowd, and added that her father died of colon cancer. “Thank you so much for what you did. I can’t stress this too much. This money we raise goes to wonderful things, research, education, advocacy, patient services. Every cent, every dime, every dollar counts. It all matters, it all counts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Collins told the audience that this year’s relay is her last as ACS staff partner, as she is being assigned to work on other ACS events. She introduced her colleague Heather Gilbert, who said she is looking forward to getting to know Knox Countians as she helps plan next year’s relay.
The participants walked one final lap accompanied by the song “We’re Not Going To Take It Anymore.”
“This is a pick-me-up lap,” said Collins.
Those who wish to participate in the 2009 event as walkers or volunteers should call Gilbert at (888) 227-6446 to sign up.
The Ariel/Energy Machine Inc. team was named a Purple Team, a coveted designation that ACS gives to a team that raises more than $30,000. The Ariel/EMI group raised $40,000 and was named Most Money Raised Corporation team and Most Money Raised Overall team.
The Freddies & Friends team walked 1,422 laps on the track, the highest achieved; it also won the Most Mission Integration award. Ariel/EMI won the Most Unique Onsite Fundraiser award. Kirsten’s Krusaders won the Most Team Spirit and Best Team Campsite awards.
Rolls-Royce won the Miss Relay award. Mount Vernon Machine & Tool was named Most Valuable Rookie Team. The Last Tent Standing award was shared by Knox Community Hospital and Faith Lutheran Church. The Best Fight Back Pledge award was won by Ariel/EMI.
The Little Rascals 4-H Club raised $477.26 and was named Most Money Raised Youth winner. Freddies & Friends was named the Most Money Raised School winner with $7,331.90. The Faith Lutheran Krusaders team raised $4,714.15 and was named Most Money Raised Faith team. Mount Vernon Machine & Tool raised $1,469.25 and was named Most Money Raised Small Business team.
The KCH Firecrackers was named Most Money Raised Medical team with $2,537.06. Kirsten’s Krusaders was named Most Money Raised Family and Friends team with $10,213.25. First-Knox National Bank was named Most Money Raised Financial Institution with $5,170.67 raised. The Elks Club won the Most Money Raised Local Organization award with $507.
