Features Editor

Jan. 28, 2001 10 PM

The Pike County board of the American Cancer Society met Wednesday to congratulate Pike County on a successful Relay for Life 2000 and they should have given themselves a pat on the back also.

Nedetria Talbot, chairperson for Relay 2000, praised the citizens of Pike County for their tremendous support of last year’s campaign and congratulated them on a number three ranking in per capita giving for their region.

"Per capita, Pike Countians gave $5.32 to the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life 2000," Talbot said. "That is something to be proud of because it means, that on an average, every man, woman and child in Pike County contributed $5.32 to the fight against cancer. The board would like to thank every person who was a part of our campaign and ask for their continued support. We cannot stop until the fight is won."

Talbot said Pike County ranked number five in the nation in per capita giving in the population division between 25,000 and 29,999.

"To be number five in the nation in our division speaks well of the people of Pike County and their commitment to finding a cure for cancer," Talbot said. "

Talbot also recognized Edge Regional Medical Center as the recipient of the team excellence award. ERMC topped all teams in raising $10,000 for the Relay event.

Donna Schubert, team recruitment chairperson, announced the Relay 2001 Kickoff event from 5:30 until 7 p.m., Jan. 30 at Park Memorial United Methodist Church.

"We have had a lot of interest shown and we already have an encouraging number of teams to sign up," Schubert said. "We want to emphasize that Relay for Life is a county-wide effort. We would like to have teams for every community in the county, because we are all in this fight together."

Teams may be composed of organizations, churches, schools, clubs, businesses or individuals who ban together. Each team should have at least 10 members and raise a minimum of $1,000.

"We appreciate every person who participates in Relay for Life," Schubert said. "We have a lot of fun."

Anyone who is interested in having a Relay for Life team in this year’s event is invited and encouraged to attend the kickoff at Park Memorial on Jan. 30. Teams can also be registered by calling Schubert at 566-5178.

Teams are not the only supporters need for Relay 2001. Corporate sponsors are also being solicited and sponsorship range from $250 to $1,500.

Mary Gibson, corporate sponsor chairperson, said that corporate sponsorships play a big role in Relay for Life and more are needed as the board ups the goal for each year’s event. This year the goal has been set at $150,000 for Pike County.

"Corporate sponsorship go a long way in helping to reach that goal," Gibson said.

Any business or industry that is not a sponsor, but would like to sign on should call Gibson at 566-3360.

Millette Dunkin, president of the local ACS board, said the Relay for Life culminating event has been set for May 18, at the band/soccer field on the campus of Troy State University.

"Relay will begin at 5 p.m. and we expect to have the biggest turnout ever," Dunkin said. "We would like for everyone to begin now, thinking of the role that they will play this year in helping to win the battle against cancer."