Relay for Life best in nine years
Event has over 500 participants, 32 teams, 100 survivors
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Over 500 participants enjoyed the cool, less humid weather that greeted them for the Ninth Annual Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society's 24-hour event, on Saturday, June 19, at the Batesville High School track.

Under the chairmanship of Karen Wallpe, Ripley County's Relay for Life this year earned $87,000 - a record amount with money still coming in and not all deposit tickets recorded.

In addition, the number of teams rose to 32 with over 500 registered participants. Among the 10 teams from this area of the county were first-timers: Milan Elementary School, Cedar Creek Church, Tyson United Methodist Church, and Shannon's Warriors.

Amounts raised by each of the 10 teams included St. Paul Lutheran Church, whose 37 members raised a total of $7,125.90, highest of all the 32 Ripley County teams.

Second was South Ripley Elementary School, whose 22 members raised $7,000.00. Southeastern Indiana REMC's 29 members brought in $4,639.99, and Milan Elementary's 21 members had a total of $4,422.32.

Spencer Tyson Pharmacy with 10 members had $2,145.00; Napoleon State Bank with 13 members had $1,670.00; Cedar Creek Church with 12 members had $1,472.62; Main Source Bank with 7 members had $1,441.35; Tyson United Methodist Church with 8 members had $916.88; and Shannon's Warriors with 5 members had $583.80.

According to Terri Jones, American Cancer Society's staff person for the Ripley County Relay, the on-site
fundraisers also set records as well as added entertainment to the 24-hour event.

A "Coin War" between the gals and guys brought in $662.30; the Cedar Creek Church's cotton candy and snow cones raised $275.00; Basket Bingo amounted to $1,600.00; the Silent Auction had $839.00; Relay for Life and Hope bracelets raised $295.00; and concessions amounted to $325.00.

Highlighting the entertainment was a "Miss"ter Relay Pageant, which brought in $480.00 and featured representatives of eight of the teams.

Taking their places on stage at 1:30 a.m., the eight were dressed in a variety of feminine attire. Each was introduced and interviewed on stage, performed a special talent, and answered a cancer-related question.

Jon Strautman of the Spencer Tyson Pharmacy team received the coveted crown and title "Miss"ter Relay 2004. Mike Eisele of Heather's Heart team was named "Miss"ter Congeniality, and Eric Dreyer received the title of best fundraiser.

Other participants were Doug Rump, representing Olean Lutheran Church; Brad Mann of the YMCA in Batesville; Andrew Bessler of Bessler's team; Marc Bergman, Batesville Community Schools; and George Bultman of the Southeastern Indiana REMC team.

Following the opening ceremony at 8:00 a.m. approximately 100 cancer survivors walked the first lap carrying purple and white balloons, which they released at the completion of the lap. Cancer Survivor Phyliss Hafft was honored during the opening ceremony for her leadership in the American Cancer Society and her
courage.

Survivors were also treated to a breakfast sponsored by Lil' Charlie's Steak & Grill and were honored during the Luminary Service at 9:00 p.m. Over 1200 luminaries lined the track either in memory of a cancer victim or in honor of a survivor.

Besides a number of music groups who volunteered their time on stage during the 24-hour event, other entertainment included a cornhole tournament, a volleyball tournament, a balloon shaving contest, a hoola hoop contest, a scavenger hunt, a euchre tournament, and laps with prizes.

The special laps were a patriotic lap, a pajama lap, and a crazy hat lap. Prizes were awarded for outstanding participation in these laps.

Staff Member Terri Jones summed up her feelings about the 2004 Ripley County Relay for Life: "My heart was filled with pride and thankfulness for the work of our volunteers.

Being part of such a special group who work so hard and give so much is a wonderful reward for what I do."