Relay for Life raises $50,682.87
by Betty Jo Toole, Publicity Chairman

Families gather around over 750 luminaries placed in memory and honor of loved ones.

If you missed this year's Relay for Life, you missed an evening of emotions, fun and entertainment.

The event kicked off Friday evening, April 13, at 6:00 p.m. with the opening ceremonies. Margaret Ann Daniels, president of the Miller County American Cancer Society, welcomed everyone to this year's annual event.

The amount of $50,682.87 which was raised, was much over the goal of $32,000.00. Because of your generous donations, the American Cancer Society will be one step closer to finding a cure for this dreaded disease of cancer.

Each of the committee members were recognized for their hard work and dedication.

Rev. Benjamin Miller, pastor of New Home Free Will Baptist Church, gave the devotion and offered a prayer.

Linda Dozier, survivor chairman, came to the podium and gave a reading that she had written entitled, "The Best Day I Ever Had." As she read, each of the registered 41 survivors' names, they took their place on the track for the survivors' walk.

Natalie Dunaway and Vicki Phillips then entertained the crowd with "Amazing Grace" as the survivors made their way around the track. The duo also performed several other songs for the crowd to enjoy.

Good music, great fun and much love

Others entertaining were The Praise Band from Colquitt Free Will Baptist Church and Debbie Sloan.

At 9:00 p.m., the impressive luminary service remembered those who have passed away from cancer and honored the ones that have survived.

Suzette Little, luminary chairman, read a poem entitled "Every Candle has a Name" written by John Storey. The names were then called by Mayor Jerry Chapman, Principal Kent Richardson, Joe Sloan and the Rev. Justin Young. The candles were lit by family members and committee members with 750 luminaries circling the track and the inside of the track. After this Rev. Young prayed a prayer.

After the beautiful and touching ceremony, a fireworks display was enjoyed by all the ones in attendance.

After the fireworks display, each team participated in games that were planned by Shawn Whitaker, activities chairperson.

First place winners of the games were as follows: Survivor Game, Colquitt Free Will Baptist; Scavenger Hunt, Colquitt Free Will Baptist; Dizzy Bat Race, First Baptist; Opposites Attract, Colquitt Free Will Baptist; Egg Race, First Baptist; Trashy Fashion Show winner, Colquitt Free Will Baptist, modeled by Nicky Griffin; Hoola Hoop Pass, Bellview Free Will Baptist Church; Balloon Race, Miller County High School, Miller Nursing Home; Lifesaver Pass, Miller County Middle School FFA; Baseball Relay, Colquitt Free Will Baptist; Race to Recovery, Most Spirit during road race, PeoplesSouth; Most Creative entry, Bellview Free Will Baptist Church; and Cars with the fastest speed, First Baptist Church.

Colquitt Free Will Baptist Church was the winning team for the most money raised. They raised $7,766.61. Coming in second was Bellview Free Will Baptist Church with $6,581.00 and third place went to Colquitt United Methodist Church with $6,271.00. Some great cakes were auctioned off by Master Auctioneer Billy Kimbrel for great prices for an even greater cause.

The overall winner of the night which was based upon many different factors such as team participation and attitude, team captain's participation (which went back to the very first relay meeting) money raised, team spirit at campsite, and the team's overall contribution to the Relay for Life success was awarded to First Baptist Church.

At 1:00 a.m., the night came to an end for Relay for Life 2007. Everyone agreed that this was the best Relay for Life yet, and all are looking forward to next year's event.