LAURIE, Mo. — The Morgan County Relay for Life raised more than $27,000 for the American Cancer Society on Saturday.
The event on June 18 at the Laurie Park had six teams that participated in the relay.
View photos of Relay For Life at the Laurie Fairgrounds
Locals Raise $27K In Morgan County Relay For Life
Walkers and runners came out to the Laurie Fairgrounds for the annual Morgan County Relay for Life on Saturday, June 18, to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
The Society reports that among 49 fundraising participants and 5 teams, over $27,000 was raised by the local event.
Photography by Janet Dabbs
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“It was an average turn-out,” Relay Co-Leader/Survivor Chair and Luminary Chair Diane Holtz said. “The heat affected the turn-out, but I think it was an overall success.”
There were a good number of walkers in the survivor and care giver walks and a good turnout for the luminary ceremony. The relay raised a little more than $27,500 and donations will continue to be accepted and added to the relay total through Tuesday, Aug. 30.
The Big CR Team won first place for the best decorated booth. Their theme was the Emerald City – the Magic of Oz. They also raised the most money, bringing in $16,000, so far. Susann Huff was the top fund raising individual.
According to Holtz, most of the funds raised will stay in the local area. “It is based on need. For instance if we made $10,000 in Morgan County and we only need $8,000, than the rest would go to a county that has a need.”
Less than 12 percent goes towards administration and a small portion goes towards research, education and prevention.
“The American Cancer Society has 47 researchers that have won the Nobel Peace Prize for their findings,” Holtz said. “They are not only working on prevention and cures but also on research that helps those who are currently fighting cancer.”
The average needs includes money for wigs and gas, food and lodging while traveling for cancer treatments. The local chapter recently helped a young woman who underwent surgery to have her ankles rebuilt due to a type of arthritic cancer that eats away at muscles and bones.
“They really appreciate what we do for them,” Holtz said. “We see a lot of people who need these death-or-life services who would have to choose between buying groceries and paying their electric bill or getting treatment,” Holtz said.
To give to the Morgan County Relay for Life call Holtz at 573-789-8523, or make checks payable to the Morgan County Relay for Life and mail them to 149 Mooreview Laurie, Mo. 65038.
The next fundraiser scheduled for local cancer victims is a Morgan County Relay for Life Golf Tournament on Monday, Aug. 15 at the Indian Rock Golf Course in Laurie.
