Relay wrap-up - area teams experience phenomenal success
“No one loses in Relay For Life,” said Al Stabilito, area American Cancer Society public relations director. “Regardless of what amounts the different teams raise, every team is a winner and every single dime is essential for our cause.”Stabilito is proud of the entire state of Ohio and said the Northeast region, which includes Wayne, Holmes and Tuscarawas counties, did particularly well this year, with the Wooster Relay raising the fifth largest income statewide.
The fiscal year for the American Cancer Society (ACS) ended August 31, with final relay income totals at $4,421,739 for all 50 relays.
“Holmes County had tremendous support from our Relay teams, their participants and local businesses,” said Shannon Carpenter, Holmes County Relay volunteer co-chair.
Carpenter and her husband, Brent, both chaired the local event and were both overwhelmed by the amount of community support given to Relay despite the down economy. The event raised $125,527 in Holmes County.
“Even though the economy was down, these individuals still pulled together to raise an amazing amount of money for this very important and wonderful cause,” Brent Carpenter said. According to the Carpenters, Relay For Life has been a part of Holmes County for 10 years. Shannon Carpenter believes one reason the event is so well supported is because cancer has impacted so many people.
“We are not surprised by how this community continues to support Relay For Life because it seems so many people have been touched by this disease,” she said. “The people of Holmes County seem to have a strong determination in the fight against cancer.”
There were 23 teams registered for the event last year and, according to the Carpenters, there are already 13 teams registered for next year.
Holmes County is part of the Northeast region, which was the number one fundraising region in Ohio. Relay For Life was started nationally in 1985 in Tacoma, Washington. The very first Relay to take place in Ohio was held in 1993 in Warren. The ACS invests about 75 cents of every dollar in their mission to eliminate cancer. A large portion of the funds help cancer patients with a number of services.
Stabilito is very encouraged and proud of the region he serves.
“It is amazing how generous and supportive this entire state is when it comes to the American Cancer Society,” he said. “Every Relay throughout every region is vitally important to our goal of curing cancer. I am proud of the Northeast region and all the counties that hold Relays in this area, but I am also proud of all the 4,500 Relays held nationwide in all 50 states. Our volunteers are awesome and they are the key to our success.”
Relay For Life was a huge success this year and total incomes for other local areas include Tuscarawas, Dover, $159,802; Tuscarawas, Newcomerstown, $77,440; Wayne, College of Wooster, $22,371; Wayne, Wooster, $211,697; Wayne, Rittman, $106,808; and Wayne, Orrville, $75,870.