photos by Ralph B. Davis
Teams walked around the track during the “team walk” early in the evening.
There were plenty of games to keep volunteers entertained, including the “pink glove dance.”
Hundreds of volunteers braved chilly temperatures for the all-night event.
PRESTONSBURG — The rain clouds parted in time for hundreds of volunteers who spent Friday night at the Big Sandy Community and Technical College walking track, as part of an enormous effort to raise money for cancer research.
The American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life event, its largest fundraiser of the year, attracted 18 teams, which included cancer survivors and their families, those remembering loved ones who lost the battle to cancer, and volunteers simply interested in helping the cause.
“I am very proud of our event in Floyd County,” said Bridgette Brashear, local community representative for the American Cancer Society. “The teams worked really hard in a struggling economy and in the aftermath of the recent tornados to raise this money. No doubt, they will touch a lot of lives! I am grateful to have such wonderful volunteers who are always willing to stand up in the fight against cancer.”
Preliminary figures show the event raised $47,985, putting the local effort well on its way to meeting its $60,000 goal for the year.
The top team this year was St. Joseph - Martin Hospital, which raised $16,727.88 to take the title of top corporate team. Fitzpatrick Baptist Church earned the honor of top community team, raising $4,713.
The teams also decorated “campsites” alongside the walking track, serving as waystations for those who endured the chilly evening in the effort to keep at least one member of each team walking around the track until dawn.
Floyd County has until August 31 to meet the $60,000 goal. Donors may contribute online at www.relayforlife.org/floydky.
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