May Relay surpasses goal

The 2014 Stoddard County Relay is history, and even organizers met this week to recap the annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, to go over totals, and to discuss the pros and cons of the May 2 event.

This year's Relay event surpassed the set goal of $75,000 by nearly $5,000, with a total of $79,119.62 raised.

"We had a lot of last minute changes brought on by the weather, but we ended up having one of our best Relays ever," commented co-chair of the event, Belinda Worley.

It was the second consecutive year that weather played into the event. In 2013, Relay was forced into the old Park Lane gym, which made for tight quarters. When the rains came again during the days just prior to Relay, a decision was made to move to the lot adjoining East City Park, in front of the Parks and Rec gym.

"It was a good decision, and through the cooperation of Lawson Metcalf and his crew at the Park and Rec Department, we had a great night," said Jennifer Hartlein, who heads up the event with Worley.

The East Park location provided ample space for parking and all activities, with the paved loop near the park entrance serving walkers throughout the evening and accommodating cancer survivors for the honorary Survivor's Lap once the event got underway.

Following a brief discussion, it was unanimously decided that the East Park location would be the permanent home of the Stoddard County Relay for Life.

Five of the 19 participating teams at Relay were recognized during the recap meeting for various achievements.

Recognized for "Coolest Campsite and Theme" was the combined team of SoutheastHEALTH Center of Stoddard County and Stoddard County Health Coalition.

The Team Spirit Award went jointly to the Real Estate Rock Stars and the Bowlers Against Cancer Team.

Liberty Hill Church in Aid was recognized for having raised the most money as a team. The group turned in $18,102.31.

Also recognized was the team from Southwest Elementary School. That team was awarded a certificate for the the Most Outstanding New Team at Relay.

A breakdown of team donations was presented and is as follows:

* Liberty Hill-- $18,102.31

* Central Cats -- $9,083.62

* Southwest Elementary -- $8,099.04

* Rebel Warriors -- $5,269

* Real Estate Rock Stars -- $4,001

* Bowlers Against Cancer (BAC) -- $3,981.66

* Four Oaks Hospice -- $3,293.71

* Health Nutz -- $2,942.72

* Faith Lutheran -- $2,571

* SoutheastHEALTH -- $2,159.53

* Carmode Family -- $1,999

* Stoddard County Health Coalition -- $1,655

* Faurecia -- $1,315.50

* KDEX -- $1,000

* Spark of Hope -- $875

* Country Hope $870

* Tyson Foods -- $769.03

* Webfoot -- $607

* Walgreens -- $446

In addition, Carrillo's Martial Arts Studio's Kick-a-Thon, held at the start of the event, raised $6,901.25. General donations totaled $2,348.25, and Luminaria bags brought in $805.

The Relay Planning Committee decided to continue the tradition of holding Relay on the first Friday night of May.

"It's gotten to be tradition," said Hartlein.

Next year's event, which is already in the planning stage, will be held on May 1, 2015.