Relay crew ready to rock

Published 8:42 pm Thursday, May 6, 2010

No person’s age, race, religion, salary, family, good works or social standing can save him from cancer. And though the medical community has made great strides in combating the disease, there still is no cure.

To raise money to help fund a cure, volunteers around Suffolk have been fundraising for months leading up the Relay for Life, which kicks off May 14.

“As of Tuesday night, we’ve banked more than $100,000,” said Suffolk’s Rockin’ Relay for Life Chairman Ray Bennett. “We’re right on schedule. We’ll have one more bank night before the big night. We’re trying to get as much as possible.”

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Last year, Suffolk volunteers raised $189,989 — short of their $220,000 goal — with 54 teams and 632 participants. This year’s goal is $212,000 and so far there are more than 70 teams in the city.

For having lost most corporate sponsors, Bennett said he thinks they’re on track, but there have been fewer fundraisers this year than in past years.

With the Relay a week away, Bennett and other organizers are ready to go.

“We’re finalizing everything, but it’s all about ready,” he said. “Suffolk City Mayor Linda Johnson is coming. Tim Reeves of the Suffolk News-Herald will be there to give a speech. Bianca from Channel 3 will emcee the luminary service. We’ve got everything lined up. It’s just putting all the pieces of the puzzle together now.”

To donate to the Relay, make sure to attend one of the following fundraisers:

Buy a cookbook by the Caffeine Commandos by calling Lynn Carroll at 538-5652.

Register for the second annual “A Day in the Country” Poker Run on May 8 by calling 539-1191.

Purchase a raffle ticket for a handmade quilt by calling Kathleen Day at 752-8436. Drawing will be May 25.

Purchase a $5 raffle ticket for a corn hole game set by calling Vykki Harrell at 409-4390. Drawing will be June 6.

For more information about how to participate in the Relay or fundraisers visit www.relayforlife.com.