The annual Relay for Life raised $36,500 at the Recreation Community Building in Riverside Park Friday night and Saturday morning. HAVING THE Relay in the community building resulted from two changes.
“Our deadline isn’t until June, and with additional fundraisers the total will grow,” said Deb Scheibmeir, financial chairman.
Proceeds go the American Cancer Society.
Donation may be made to any Relay for Life team member, Scheibmeir at 365-0412 or at the Relay’s website, relayforlife.org/allencoks.
Iola Sisters OK5A raised the most money at $11,428, followed by Gates $6,452, Allen County Hospital $6,008, Calvary United Methodist Church $2,726, Marmaton Valley FCCLA (new to the Relay this year) $1,654, The Family Physicians (Wolfe Pack) $1,241, Patty’s Posse $1,086, Chartwell’s $673, Windsor Place of Iola $436, PSI $413, Colony Diner $110, Individuals $98, and Kathy’s Klowns $80.
Ina Railsback, Iola Sisters OK5A, was the top individual at $7,800, followed by Saundra Upshaw, Calvary Methodist Church, $2,286, Joan Hess, Iola Sisters OK5A, $1,022, Angie Luedke, ACH, $859, Gwen Tefft, Gates, $782, Edna Donovan, Iola Sisters OK5A, $750, Jean Parker, Iola Sisters OK5A, $728, Katie Sander, Gates, $676, Staci Talkington, Chartwell’s, $674, and Melissa Stokes, Gates, $575.
Initially, the Relay was moved from August because it had been plagued by hot weather the past several years, and then it was moved indoors last week because of ongoing chilly weather and rain, Scheibmeir observed.
In the run-up to the start of the event, the annual survivor walk, singers Kristine Johnson and Becky French entertained, along with a skit by Marmaton Valley FCCLA members.
This year’s theme was Route 66, which prompted the ACH team to decorate its booth with antique license plates, a lunch counter and neon cactus.
More than 30 survivors participated in the opening lap.
Two inflatable toys attracted kids and no one went hungry. At the start sloppy joes, turkey salad sandwiches, turkey and noodles and pulled pork sandwiches, fresh from Dudley Done Right BBQ, were available. When tastes changed in the wee hours of Saturday, breakfast burritos, cinnamon rolls and pancakes were rolled out, along with plenty of coffee.
Several teams offered things for sale. Andy Daeges won a five-burner grill in a raffle by the Gates team.
The luminaria ceremony unfolded at 9 o’clock Friday evening with all team members going to the center of the arena. Girl Scouts Taylor Johnson, Lorie Carpenter, Caiden Cloud, Averia Witchley, Kilea Heslop, Danny Fees, Natalie Fees, Camryn Freimiller, Lora Newkirk, Lola Newkirk and Kia Llori walked the track dressed as angels as the names of those who have succumbed to cancer were read.
Walkers who stayed past midnight were eligible for four tickets to a Kansas City Royals game, which Barbara Smith won.
Relay for Life raises $36,500
