Whitley County Relay for Life raised $47,400
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Whitley County Relay for Life chairman Jade Pfeiffer, above near the track at Indian Springs Middle School during the 2009 Whitley County Relay for Life in June, was excited to share last night that the local event raised $47,400 for the American Cancer Society.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
A little over a month after their major annual event, the many volunteers at the helm of the Whitley County Relay for Life gathered last evening in celebration of their many successes – including the ’09 relay’s ability to raise $47,400 for the American Cancer Society.
Event chair Jade Pfeiffer was elated to share the news of the total – a figure that, in light of the economy, far exceeded expectations. Pfeiffer said the total has the opportunity to continue to grow.
“Money can be turned in through August to count for this year’s total, so keep that money coming,” Pfeiffer said.
Something that has never failed to far exceed expectations has been the local enthusiasm for the event on the part of volunteers and, so awards were handed out last year as well.
“Our Top Fundraising Team was Becky Curless State Farm, whose captain is Beth Ann Sickafoose,” Pfeiffer said. “They raised over $7,500 dollars this year with fundraisers such as a movie night at the South Whitley theatre where they showed Hannah Montana with a pop and pop corn for $5.” Additionally, a free will donation collected at a 5k run/walk event organized by the team raised over $3000 alone.
Pfeiffer said the Top Fundraising Youth Team award winner was Team Gold Canyon – captained by 12-year-old Lyndsey Brommer. “Her team of more than 50 participants raised over $2800,” Pfeiffer said. “She sold coupons to Crazy Pins as a fundraiser and did a creative on-site fundraiser the day of Relay.” Additionally, she sold photographs for $1 with her father's demolition derby car painted exactly like Lighting McQueen from the movie “Cars.” Those who saw Brommer’s car at the Relay for Life can see it in action this Saturday at the 4-H Demolition Derby.
The Top New Fundraising Team was the Whitley County Literacy Alliance, Pfeiffer said.The favorite campsite, as voted by cancer survivors and volunteer judges, was The Fighting Bankers "Bee Movie" site that featured lots of bees and photos of loved ones touched by cancer. The Runners Up were Gold Canyon "Cars" and Zumming for a Cure "Charlotte's Web" sites.