Relay For Life Tri Counties-Texas wrapped up late Friday night with more than $40,000 raised online and during the annual American Cancer Society benefit and awareness event.
Committee members shortly after midnight were still collecting funds, but said early estimates were for more than $40,000 collected for RFL, and counting. Donations can be made year round, and teams who wish to continue fundraising online and otherwise can do so until August to have the funds count toward this year’s event total. Anyone who wishes to contribute to help RFL Tri Counties-Texas to help meet or exceed this year’s $50,000 goal can do so on the event webpage.
The RFL Committee on Thursday made the decision to move the event from outside on the downtown square inside The ROC, due to predictions of wet, cooler weather Friday.
The main event room was packed to watch the parade of cancer survivors make the first lap, then another joined by their caregivers, at 7 p.m. Friday. Each survivor was presented a purple flower, donated by a local florist, as they made the first couple of laps around the “track.” At 3 p.m. Friday, approximately 120 survivors had registered for RFL, pickup up their signature purple shirts to wear for the occasion, and several more registered just prior to the event, committee members reported at the conclusion of this year’s RFL.
Community members jammed the room afterward, partaking of the games and foods made available by teams for donations to benefit ACS for programs that help area cancer battlers as well as to help fund research for a cure. Overall, 22 teams participated in the May 10 RFL.
Teams and community members lapping for RFL took to the stairs to walk the path on the second floor, which spans the entire room. Another room on the the other side of the building served as a dining area for people to sit down, fellowship and enjoy the snacks purchased from teams.
This year also, RFL encouraged teams to bring canned goods, which were used to anchor the luminary which lined the track path and stage in the event room in honor and memory of cancer survivors and battlers.
A “castle” area off the dining room was set up for cancer survivors. Various local businesses and agency donated items for survivors to take home as souvenirs and food was provided free in that area to survivors as well.
Relay for Life concluded by midnight, with a number of teams, businesses and individuals recognized for their outstanding efforts this year. Awards and recipients included:
- Loud and Proud Team Spirit Award– Sulphur Springs Elementary School
- Best T-shirt Design — Saltillo
- Best Spirit Stick — Alliance Bank
- Best Campsite Award — Flowserve
- Shine Bright Luminaria Award — Saltillo
- Team Heart of Relay Award — Unidos
- You Are Heart of Relay — CHRISTUS
- Hope Endures Survivor Winner — Rachel Draper
- Making that Money Award — Alliance Bank
- Courage Award — Sandy Reed
- Rookie of the Year — Vicky
