CULLMAN, Ala. – Hundreds gathered at the Cullman County Fairgrounds Friday evening for the 2019 Relay For Life event to celebrate cancer survivors, honor caretakers and remember those whose lives were lost to the disease. Through fundraising efforts by more than 30 teams, along with an onsite raffle, the event raised more than $14,000.
Cullman’s Relay was part of a season-long event which has raised more than $90,000 to date, and the season isn’t over yet. Fundraising for the current campaign will continue until the end of June.
Event coordinator Gail Crutchfield told The Tribune, “We were very pleased with the turnout, and thankful for everyone who came out to support us on Relay night. And then, everybody who worked before and supported us, either through sponsorships or volunteering with their teams, raising money for their teams, in-kind donations as well; all that’s greatly appreciated, because it helps in our overall goal of funding research and services for cancer patients.”
More than 30 teams have participated in fundraising efforts throughout the season. Top contributors include Topre America, REHAU, Kris’ Kornerstone, The Rack Pack, Hermetz, Cash Acme, Team CCSO (Cullman County Sheriff’s Office), Merchants Bank of Alabama, General Dynamics GIT and Wallace State Community College. Organizations and businesses fielded teams, including both area Wal-Mart stores, Seventh Street Baptist Church, Serta Simmons Bedding, Hope Riders, Panera Bread Company and many others.
Boozefighters Motorcycle Club, which began its association with the American Cancer Society 11 years ago to honor a member diagnosed with cancer, presented the organization a $5,000 check. Over the years, according to Boozefighter representative Lockup, the club has raised and donated more than $100,000 to the war on cancer.
The raffle, featuring 156 items and gift cards from more than 70 donors, was sponsored by the “Minions of Magic” team and raised $2,575.
Driven by volunteers
Cullman’s local Relay group has a liaison from the American Cancer Society, but according to Crutchfield, “Everything else is all volunteer efforts through local committee, and we have a wonderful committee who works pretty well together to bring us all together.”
An inside perspective
CCSO IT Systems Administrator Rebekah Cash served as the master of ceremonies for Friday’s relay. In a note to The Tribune, she shared what Relay For Life means to her:
“Relay For Life is very important to me. I believe that cancer is a horrible disease that needs to be eradicated. This will only be done with research and development of new medication. My grandmother, Addie Messersmith, died from cancer. My aunt, Clovine Messersmith, is in remission. The community has lost several people in the last few years to cancer. Arvel Allison, Timmy Puckett, Matt Osborn and Tim Collins, just to name a few. Relay For Life is the fundraising component of the American Cancer Society. Without us supporting research and therapy, there is no telling the advancements that may not have been achieved.
“When I’m trying to raise money, I hear people say that they aren’t a local organization and they won’t put their money outside of the community. My response to them? First off, we don’t have a local research hospital. Without their researching and testing, we would not have new medications, therapies or less invasive treatment options. UAB is the closest research hospital to Cullman and several of our dollars have been used to create medicines there that have made an impact on our residents. When most people in our community find out they have cancer, where do they go? To these cancer research facilities for the latest and greatest treatments. Who funds those? We do. Secondly, there are assistance programs through the American Cancer Society if you reach out. Assistance from free housing at cancer treatment locations (Hope Lodge), travel to/from treatments, Look Better Feel Better campaign (helps those with image issues during or after treatment to feel normal again), and several other programs that are available. For more information about ACS or the programs they offer, please go to www.cancer.org or call 1-800-277-2345 for more information.
“At our local Relay, we try to make the time enjoyable. We celebrate the survivors who have or are fighting cancer. We mourn the ones who we have lost. We thank the caregivers that made the fight more bearable through love, friendship and support.
“Our community is very supportive of our mission and it shows from the turnout that we had last night and the monies that have been donated. I know I said this several times last night, but I want to thank everyone again, from the volunteers to the teams to the survivors to everyone that was a part of this year’s Relay. It was truly amazing.”
What’s it about?
While a memorial to those lost to cancer, the event celebrated survivors, honored caregivers and offered participants an opportunity to laugh with those who wanted to laugh, cry with those who needed to cry, play with those who were ready to play and enjoy the fellowship of a community of people who understand each other. Folks walked the path around the fairground midway, took turns on the mechanical bull and various games, listened to music by gospel quartet Living Faith and a few musicians who came with teams, and heard inspirational messages from survivors and caretakers. There were contests for team banners, tents, T-shirts, lip syncing and things downright silly and just plain fun.
Elena Caudle, author of the “Serendipitous” books that are distributed each Christmas to kids spending the holiday in Children’s of Alabama and other Birmingham-area medical facilities in a program begun by childhood cancer survivor Levi Bates (See www.cullmantribune.com/2018/12/24/team-levi-spreads-christmas-joy/), is team captain of the “Minions of Magic.”
After welcoming the Minions and a two-time survivor who obviously came dressed for fun, Caudle shared: “That crazy gal in the purple tutu and pom-pom antennae makes my heart smile all over the place! SHE’S the reason! And 16-year-old warrior and survivor Levi Bates is the reason! And Colton Evans, who didn’t see his 18th birthday, is the reason! And the millions of people who hopefully someday will never have to fight that battle against cancer because WE came together to do our part to fund research: they’re the reason we Relay!”
Contest winners
Banner
1- Team CCSO
2- Yutaka
3- Wallace State Community College
Tent Site
1- Hope Riders
2- Yutaka
3- Hanceville Nursing Home and Rehab
T-Shirt
1- Wal-Mart South 670
2- Yutaka
3- Kris’ Kornerstone
Bra
1- Wal-Mart North 7280
2- Hope Riders
3- Kris’ Kornerstone
Boxer Shorts
1- The Rack Pack
2- Wallace State Community College
3- Team CCSO
Spirit Stick
1- Hope Riders
2- Wal-Mart North 7280
3- Team CCSO
Womanless Beauty Pageant
1- Team CCSO
2- The Rack Pack
3- Hope Riders
Lip Sync
1- Team CCSO
2- The Rack Pack
3- Hope Riders
Spirit Points
1- Team CCSO
2- Kris’ Kornerstone
3- The Rack Pack
Get involved
Cullman County Relay for Life teams are still raising funds for the American Cancer Society in a campaign that will run until the end of June. To join a team, make a donation or get more information, visit http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY19SOR?pg=entry&fr_id=91569 or www.facebook.com/RFLCullmanAL/, or visit the American Cancer Society’s site at www.cancer.org.
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