Relay for Life nets record turnout
<p>Judy Bloomer, left, Doc Sargent, Paula Darko-Hensler and Rainy Roth hold the survivors banner as they begin the first of many laps around Asa Wood School’s field for Lincoln County’s Relay for Life.</p>
<p>Lynette Rebo, left, holds hands with her mother, Arlyne Beito. The caring hands are a symbol of the survivor-cargiver relationship.</p>
<p>Rainy Roth, three-time survivor, had this luminary to light when the sun went down.</p>
<p>Jason Mobley won the title of Mr. Relay 2012 after raising nearly $100 in an hour.</p>
<p>Some of Lincoln County’s cancer survivors gather for a photo before their walk.</p>
Relay Beito
Relay Broden
Relay Miller
<p>A carnival for the kids (and kids-at-heart) put on by the Loggers for Life team featured this deep-sea fishing attraction, where volunteers would help kids “catch” a prize with a clothespin lure.</p>
Relay Games
Relay
Relay Mr. Relay
<p>Jason Mobley was crowned Mr. Relay on Friday evening for his fundraising abilities as Penney Hook recognizes his achievements. Hook recently won the World’s National Mrs. contest.</p>
<p>The theme of the relay, “Hollywood Walk of Stars” was summed up in this clapperboard.</p>
Relay Balloon
Relay Balloon Guy
Hope is an intangible thing. It can be built or demolished in an instant and can vanish forever if not nurtured.
That’s why hundreds of people braved the late afternoon heat on Asa Wood School’s field to support Lincoln County’s Relay for Life, a fundraising effort to help those afflicted with cancer, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society and a large chunk staying in Lincoln County.
“Cancer is treatable, and it is preventable,” said Rainy Roth, the event chair and Lincoln County Coordinator for the Relay, as well as a three-time cancer survivor herself. “The main message is hope.”
The 22 teams of walkers raised $37,544.10 for the American Cancer Society, $10,000 more than last year’s Relay.
“This year, we had a lot more community members come,” Roth said. “People stayed longer and had more fun, which was our intent. We wanted to put the fun in fundraiser.”
Hope was the theme of the day (and night, and next morning) as several dozen luminaries, sand-filled paper bags with candles inside, were arranged on the bleachers to spell the word.
It was a touching and beautiful image for a night that was at turns fun and sobering.
Famous Dave’s, from Kalispell, catered the event, selling out its allotment of 335 dinners after the ceremonial survivor and caregiver walks.
Before any walking got under way, a carnival was open for the dozens of kids in attendance complete with a dunk tank and a “deep-sea fishing” game.
A new addition to the relay was the “Mr. Relay” contest, where eight contestants stood on stage and answered dating-show type questions, displayed talents and then were released into the crowd to raise money.
They were given one hour to raise as much as they could and report back to the stage. The winner, Jason Mobley, collected more than $90 in the hour and was honored with the title of Mr. Relay, bestowed upon him by local beauty queen Penney Hook. The cancer-survivor rocked his crown, sash and shutter shades for a while after he was crowned.
Another fundraiser held during the night was the celebrity auction, where signed memorabilia from celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw and Dr. Phil were sold off.
But, of course, the main event of the day was the relay itself. With 19 teams walking, and dozens of survivors among them, the event was heartening and one that built up that elusive specter of hope.
“It’s about honoring our survivors and about bringing them together,” Roth said.