Another incredible Relay
WAYNESBURG — The Waynesburg Central High School Raider Field of Pride was filled with excitement, celebration, music, laughter and tears last weekend as people of all ages and from all walks of life gathered for the 20th annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Greene County.
A large number of area businesses, agencies, schools, churches and individuals who participated in the event helped make the event a truly memorable and special affair, participating in a traditional fundraising initiative that has raised more than $2.1 million over the past 19 years…and counting.
The annual fundraising event — which is held across the nation and around the world to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s ongoing battle against cancer — once again featured an emotional opening ceremony that was followed by a wide array of activities offering fun for all ages throughout the 24-hour Relay.
As is tradition, the Greene County Relay kicked off with the annual torch run. The torch was carried by runners representing the county high schools. The runners were escorted by members of various local police departments and members of the Patriot’s Dream Riding Association.
After the torch arrived at the Relay, it was time for the opening ceremony, where Relay representatives presented special plaques to the many individuals, businesses and agencies that supported the Relay.
For the 14th year, WTAE-TV personality Andrew Stockey served as the master of ceremonies for the opening ceremony. During his opening remarks, he acknowledged the many volunteers who served on various Relay committees, as well as the many teams, schools, agencies, organizations, businesses and individuals who donated or raised money for the cause. He also recognized the many entities that sponsored different aspects of the Relay; in all, more than $30,000 was raised in sponsorships alone this year.
Stockey also recognized the other fundraising initiatives that were held to benefit the Relay, including the 13th annual “Rockin’ Rollin’ Relay” at Rolling Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation on May 1 and the Mini-Relay held at Waynesburg University on April 19.
The “Rockin’ Rollin’ Relay,” under the leadership of Sharon Jeffries, activities director at Rolling Meadows, and Greene County Relay co-lead Janice Blair-Martin, was a successful endeavor, as senior citizens at the facility rocked in rocking chairs for the cure.
The event featured a Survivors Walk, karaoke with J.K., a Chinese auction, numerous vendors selling crafts, jewelry, baked goods, art work and other items, and much more. The annual event has raised more than $17,000 over the last 13 years.
The eighth annual Mini-Relay, under the direction of Kelley Hardie, assistant dean of students at the university, and Colleges Against Cancer president Teressa Butler, has raised over $15,000 so far. In all, the eight Mini-Relay events have raised over $125,000 and counting.
Stockey also announced that Waynesburg Central Elementary School will hold its fourth Mini-Relay on May 26.
Stockey said the Greene County Relay has been successful over the years because it has been a team effort.
“People wonder why Greene County experiences so much success, and it’s because you work together,” he said. “Young and old, businesses and residents, you all come together here once a year for one day, one night, one community, one fight. I wish you all the success you deserve as you raise the bar yet again this year for the American Cancer Society.”
Also during the opening ceremony, Stockey recognized the torch runners representing the the five school districts as well as the Relay ambassadors: Addy Morrison of Jefferson, Colby Simkovic of Waynesburg, Daniel Bradmon of Rices Landing and RJ Ehnerd of Butler. The youths are cancer survivors.
Following the opening ceremony, it was time for the traditional survivors’ lap, in which more than 110 cancer survivors participated. Just before the lap began, each of the survivors were introduced and then walked the first lap behind a large banner that read “Survivors – Celebrating Life!”
The opening ceremony and survivors’ lap was just the beginning of a busy day filled with a wide array of activities geared to the ongoing battle against cancer.
A total of 38 Relay teams raising money for the cause set up decorated tents around the track. The campsites were decorated to coincide with the Relay’s “Disney” theme. The tents were judged for prizes, and the winners were: First place, Team Sparx; second place, the Jefferson-Morgan School District; and third place, First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County.
As hundreds walked around the track throughout the day, there was live entertainment, performances from a number of local performers, food vendors, a “Greene County Relay Queen” pageant, games and contests, a Midnight Marathon and much more.
This year’s Relay also featured the return of several other activities, including a “Fight Back” ceremony — in which participants made a pledge to improve their health — as well as the “Pack the Track” event, where everyone was encouraged to walk a lap at the same time.
The evening’s activities also included the touching luminaria ceremony, featuring the reading of names displayed on the luminaria bags in honor and in memory of those who have fought – and in some cases, lost their battle with – cancer. In all, nearly 800 luminaria bags were placed along the track.
The event concluded Sunday morning with a sunrise service and closing ceremony.
Days after the event ended, Blair-Martin said she was proud of what was accomplished during the 2015 Relay. Serving her second year as Relay co-lead, Blair-Martin recognized the support the Relay received from committee members and volunteers of all ages and all walks of life.
And though Blair-Martin admitted that the Relay is a great deal of work, the end result makes it all worthwhile.
“It is wonderful to see how the teams, committees and volunteers come together and work together for such a terrific cause,” she said. “For that one special day, everybody really works together. For that one day, it’s about people giving the time, hearts and resources to help make a difference.
“The passion of the people involved never ceases to amaze me,” she continued. “Everyone plays their part in pulling this together. It’s not one person, it’s a total team effort. And it is wonderful.”
Blair-Martin said although she is stepping down as co-lead, she will still be involved in future Relay events.
“It has been a great experience, and I am looking forward to being a part of future events,” she said.
Blair-Martin said she understands why so many people feel connected to the Relay each year.
“It truly feels like a special reunion, a time where people reconnect with one another and share something that we all have in common, the desire to find a cure for cancer,” she said. “The Relay is special because there isn’t one person who isn’t directly or indirectly impacted by the devastating disease. That connection that people find at the Relay is part of the healing process, and that is just one reason why the Relay is so important.”