Floyd's Relay for Life raises over $58,000

By Wanda Combs
Editor

It was a sweltering day with temperatures in the 90s, but over 460 Relay for Life participants endured the weather and ended up exceeding their goal. Tracey Miller, chairman of the event, said Monday $58,905 had been raised; the goal was $57,000.
The event, which began Saturday morning, ended after midnight. The daytime temperatures were a challenge. Last year the Relay was held in July, and it was unusually cool. “This year I think we paid for it….Heat was a big factor,” Miller commented. “We created a misting system for the first time this year. Nathan (her husband) built that for us. It cooled you when you walked through it….We’ll have that every year from now on since it’s going to be a daytime event.”
The heat did result in plenty of volunteers for the dunking tank, she added.
The top fundraising team, raising $7,500.50, was Floyd United Methodist Church, and that’s team’s captain, Melissa Spangler, raising $3,224, was the top fundraising individual.
Registered were 23 teams, and working with a theme of United States of AmeriCure, each team picked a state. Abundant Life Fellowship of Pilot with their Las Vegas, Nevada choice won the Tent Site Award. The Most Team Spirit Award went to Pleasant Valley Miracles for their “Colorado” group, led by Sarah Coleman and Marilyn Gallimore.
This year, for the first time, the Relay was able to secure the UVA Mobile Mammography Coach, and 18 mammograms were done.
MCs for the event were Rob Neukirsch and Richard Minter.
Co-chair of the Relay was Desirae Harman.
Miller complimented the entire committee for their time in planning and helping with the day.
She noted that public participation was down this year, and she wanted to remind everyone that “you don’t have to be on anyone’s team to come.” There are a lot of things to see and…eat. “Just by coming and getting your lunch and dinner there that day, you’re helping Relay for Life.”
Miller said she was thrilled with the money raised this year. “With the economy, being able to raise $58,000 is truly amazing.”
“I wish to congratulate the teams, participants, and good citizens of the Floyd community for your loyal support and passion to find a cure for cancer,” said Robin Minter with the American Cancer Society. “Without our fantastic Relay For Life teams and their donor dollars, we would not be able to support the cancer patients in our community or to support the much needed research. You passion and drive to work so hard throughout the year to raise the funds to support our mission is very evident in the total dollars you raised this year.
“As the American Cancer Society's community manager, I could not be prouder of you,” she added. “Thank you for giving back to the community and giving our survivors hope for another birthday. As always, the American Cancer Society is here for you 24/7/365. Contact 800-227-2345 for more information.”
Photo: The popular "chorus girls" for the Las Vegas themed tent of Abundant Life Faithwalkers, Ashlee McAlexander, Hanna Martin and Kayla McAlexander, pose for photographers. Photo by Don Johnson