By Murphy Grant
Associate Editor
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he American Cancer Society pledged 100 years ago to help find a cure for cancer. With the Outer Bank’s help this year, Relay for Life has raised a little over $110,000.
The main event took place May 18 and 19 at the First Flight High School track, complete with food, live music and games. The theme this year was “celebrating hope”. Many people contributed to the cause by enjoying a day with friends.
“I’ve always enjoyed going to Relay for Life to help raise money for cancer patients. Its a great way to be with the people around us as well as remember the ones who are no longer here,” junior Chandler Jernigan said. “I have contributed by baking goods for booths and being there to work them.”
The fiscal year for Relay for Life does not end until August allowing teams to continue raising money, Chairperson Katie Pendry said.
“I started Relaying when I was around 14. My mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer and when she went into remission she started a Relay For Life team ‘Kindred Spirits’,” Pendry said. “My mom passed away 12 years ago from her cancer. Five years ago I brought back her Relay team in memory of her. I was a team captain for two years and was asked to be on the committee three years ago. I love it and my heart is completely into Relay. I fight for a Cure for very personal reasons and will continue to do so as long as I can.”
Of the 37 teams participating, the Outer Banks Brewing Station team came in first place raising $8,743.59 through events such as a Bachelor Auction and the Purple Toilet.
“The Brew Station got first by doing several large fundraisers and by having a team member that fought lung cancer,” OBBS team member Lisa Ammons said. “I would say that the hard work and personal experience helped raise a lot.”
Of the 289 individual participants, Jody Midgette raised the most money. He participated in the Womanless Beauty Pageant and was able to gain sponsors through Midgette Auto. Midgette raised $3,932. He put his hard work into finding the cure after losing a few family members from cancer.
“I got involved in Relay for Life a few years ago after watching a few family members lose their battles to cancer,” Midgette said. “From the help of my wife and staff at Midgette Auto, we were able to get sponsors, sell tickets to the event and get donations from friends, family and our valued customers.”
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