AWARD WINNERS — The local Relay for Life committee took time to celebrate the outstanding effort and achievements of the Bradley County Relay for Life teams. Some of the award winners from this year’s Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society included, from left, front, Traci VanNostran , Heart of Relay Survivorship Award for 2008-2009; Beth Rains, Bradley High School Wrestling, second-place most money raised by a school team; Nancy Ragland, Surviving with Sheila team, second- place most money raised by a family/friends team; Beverly Belk, Guardian Home Care, first-place shirt contest best display of ACS mission and most team spirit; Debbie Bradford, First Baptist Church, second-place for most money raised by a church; Greta Parker, Cleveland Utilities, best relay food - dessert category; back, Kimberly Witz, South Polk Elementary School, third-place most money raised by school team; Bo Lewis and Martha White, Home Health Care of East Tennessee and Hospice, first-place most creative T-shirt design; Janice Baker, Arch Chemicals, first- place most money raised by a business and most creative campsite award ; Donna Harris, Eaton, third-place most money raised by corporate team.
Relay for Life is a community gathering where everyone can participate in the fight against cancer. This year’s Relay offered food, games, entertainment and children’s activities all to raise money to help prevent cancer, save lives, and diminish suffering from the disease.
Award winners were recently celebrated and presented with plaques in recognition of their contributions.
Teams recognized for the most money raised by a corporate team were: first place to Arch Chemicals; second place, Wright Brother Construction; and third place, Eaton.
Most money raised by a non-corporate team were: first place, Local 899; second place, Surviving with Sheila; and third place, COPE.
Most money raised by a school: first place, Oak Grove; second place, Bradley Central High School Wrestling; and third place, South Polk Elementary.
Most money raised by a church were: first place, Clingan Ridge Baptist; second place, First Baptist; and third place, West Cleveland Baptist.
The Team Spirit Award was presented to Guardian Home Health.
First place Campsite Award winners included: Blue Ridge Oncology, best display of American Cancer Society mission; United Community Bank, best display of Relay theme; and Arch Chemicals, most creative.
First-place T-shirt awards were presented to Guardian Home Health, best display of ACS mission; Blue Ridge Oncology, best display of Relay theme; Home Health Care of East Tennessee, most creative.
The Grand Food Champion went to Life Care. Food category winners were: Clingan Ridge, best overall food; Oak Grove, entrée category; and Cleveland Utilities, best dessert.
Even though the Relay is over, teams are continuing to raise money for the American Cancer Society through the end of August.
The community is encouraged to visit the website www.relayforlife.org/bradleytn and donate onlineto help us get closer to the goal.
At the 2010-2011 kickoff event this fall, the following awards will be presented: Big Leap Awards for the biggest increase money raised over last year; the most money raised overall by a team; and the Larry Ingram Spirit of Dedication Award.
One-in-three Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life gives everyone the opportunity to fight back and to make a difference in the battle against cancer.
Teams come from businesses, clubs, families, friends, hospitals, faith-based groups, schools, and service organizations.
If you are interested in having a team or would like more information, contact Angela Mathis with the American Cancer Society at 423-855-2778.
More information on the Bradley County Relay for Life may also be found on-line at www.relayforlife.org/bradleytn.
