By Joseph M. Morgan
FORT PAYNE, Ala.—Thirty-six fundraising teams made up of individuals, local businesses, area non-profit groups and other organizations, and representatives from city and county government raised $125,951 for the annual Relay For Life of DeKalb County event that was held Friday night at the VFW Fairgrounds in Fort Payne.
In all, 36 teams and 295 participants took part in this year’s Relay for Life event. All of the top four fundraising teams raised in excess of $12,000. The GH Heroes team raised the most money, bringing in $16,734.70, narrowly edging out the Vulcraft team that came in second place, raising an impressive $16,295.55. AP Plasman finished third with $13,111.16, and Heritage Wire rounded out the top four bringing in $12,664.57.
Vulcraft’s parent company, Nucor Steel, has plants throughout the country. Vulcraft is one of several teams that makes up the Nucor Steel Relay For Life National Team that has raised $744,609.09 so far this year through the efforts of 377 participants.
Also among the 36 were teams from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office raising $5,694.46, the DeKalb County Department of Human Resources raising $1,415.00, and the Fort Payne Police Department with $1,708.71.
The annual event honors individuals who have battled cancer, and brings in supporters from all over DeKalb County and beyond to join in the fight against the disease by supporting and attending the event to honor Cancer Survivors and remember those lost to the devastating disease. The event also includes food, fun and entertainment designed for the entire family, with games, raffles and door prizes, and this year, music from local band Still Kickin and a dance-off each year between the Fort Payne Police Department, the Fort Payne Fire Department, and the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department.
The ceremony portion of the event is for cancer Survivors, Caregivers, and the families, loved ones and any who have lost someone or been affected by the disease. The ceremony itself is a very somber, moving display to honor and respect the strength and courage shown by these brave individuals.
The Opening Ceremony brings everyone together for a high-energy event kickoff that celebrates the lives of those who have battled cancer. It is meant to remind us all that while we are winning this battle, fighting cancer is a year-round priority. Cancer survivors take the first lap around the track. Cheered on by the other participants and the sound of upbeat music, the Survivors Lap lets all cancer survivors at the event celebrate their victory over cancer.
The Survivors Lap is followed by the Caregivers Lap. It is dedicated to anyone who has cared for someone with cancer. These individuals walk a special lap so they can be honored. Caregivers can walk this lap with the person they helped if they are also present. The Closing Ceremony celebrates the spirit of the event and all the hard work that goes into it each year. It is also a time to remember the lives of those lost, and to commit to continuing the fight against this disease over the next year.
Founded by the American Cancer Society, the Relay For Life movement hosts thousands of events like the one in DeKalb all across the U.S. and around the globe, making it the world's largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. Supported by the efforts of thousands of volunteers, the American Cancer Society estimates that their efforts help save more than 500 lives a day.
