Union's Relay For Life pulls in $134,000

Special thanks to the Godwin family and Riverwalk Restaurant for the delicious meal served for the 2007 Union County Relay For Life Wrap Up Event. "Riverwalk owner Cathy Godwin and her staff did an excellent job feeding our volunteers," reported Mia Crowe, Relay For Life event committee member.

The Union County Relay For Life Event Committee members for the On-site Activities and Entertainment would like to acknowledge the following supporters and donors for the 2007 American Cancer Society. "These are very generous community members who support the mission of the American Cancer Society with their dollars or merchandise, their time and their talents," stated Joanne Sales, Committee co-chair for 2007. "We hope that you will add your personal thanks to each of our local merchants, businesses, and individuals," she added. "All of our committee members work hard to make sure that each donation (large or small) is recognized."

"The overall donations received this year totaled $134,000," announced Allyson McGraw, Master of Ceremonies for the evening's program. For several years the RFLevent committee has awarded the "SPIRIT" trophy to the team earning the most Relay For Life SPIRIT BUCKS. This year's trophy was presented to the St. Francis Church Team. "There were several teams in close contention for this coveted award. Those earning recognition included: Ray of Hope; McClure Trucking; High Mountain Healthcare; and Coosa United Methodist Church teams," reported Mrs. McGraw.

Relay For Life event committee members serving at the recent Wrap Up event included Betty Moshier, Judy Rich, Stacy Head and Mia Crowe. Special thanks to the McCombs family for the use of the facilities at the Southern Tree Plantation. "Their in-kind donation was made in memory of Mrs. Donna McCombs' father, Don Brock," reported Mrs. Moshier.

Each year the Relay For Life committee hosts a special survivors dinner celebration. Mrs. Stacy Head, the committee head, thanked the sponsors for their generosity and support, including Cadence Bank; and United Community Bank's Junior Board of Directors.

Mrs. Head thanked our 2007 Honorary Survivors Grand Marshalls Sean Byers and Steven Lewis, and the North Georgia Honor Guard,

Best Sauce Trophy presented to "little Que" team.

The Union County Relay For Life Event Committee hosted a Wrap-up Celebration recently at the Southern Tree Plantation. Presentations were made to the Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver and Bronze Sponsors for 2007 by Betty Moshier.

The Overall Top Team was United Community Bank's Blairsville Team.

Other Group A business teams recognized included: Blue Ridge Mountain EMC; Home Depot; and Union General Hospital.

The Top Fundraiser for Group B Businesses for 2007 was presented to the McClure Trucking Team, a rookie team which did an exceptional job in fundraising and in showing team spirit.

Within the Church Group A recognition for the Most Funds Raised was earned by Coosa United Methodist Church.

The Church Group B Top Funds Award was presented to Antioch Baptist Church. .

In the Community Group, the Top awards went to the Ray of Hope (Sales Family) Team and the Union County Elementary School PAWS Team.

Team Parade Award went to United Community Bank; Best Campsite Award to St. Francis Church; Runner-Up for Best Campsite to Cadence Bank.

Mrs. Upchurch reported that the Cookoff raised over $3500 toward to overall Union County Relay For Life goal for 2007.

The Little Miss and Master Relay For Life activity this year contributed over $800 to the grand total.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about how to volunteer for the American Cancer Society here in Union County may contact any of the volunteers or contact Rena Pendley in the Gainesville Office at 770-297-1176 Ext. 22. Information about volunteering can also be obtained by calling 1-800-

ACS-2345 or checking online at www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. Every dollar raised during the Relay For Life in our community is a strike against cancer. Every dollar brings hope...hope for education to prevent cancer and detect cancer earlier; hope for patient services to diminish suffering; and

hope for cancer research and hope for the hearts of caregivers also.