Relay thanks supporters
DEBBIE GRIFFIN

I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the hundreds of people who joined together with the Cherokee County Relay For Life Committee to hold the most successful Relay that Cherokee County has ever seen. At this point, we have breezed past the original fundraising goal of $100,000. In these difficult economic times, where just to put gas in your tank is a struggle for many people, the fact that we are able to have an event of this magnitude in this county speaks volumes of the generosity and caring nature of the people of Cherokee County. It is also proof that everyone has a story of someone they know and love who has been directly affected by some type of cancer.

An event of this type empowers us to celebrate the lives of people who have struggled to defeat cancer, remember the valiance of those who battled unsuccessfully, and allows us to fight back in our quest to find a cure for this terrible disease through the fundraising efforts that will ultimately be used to fund additional and necessary research.

While the actual night of Relay For Life is a dedicated date, your Committee and the cause of Relay For Life continues in Cherokee County year round. If you have an idea for a fundraiser and would like some resources for developing an event, please let us know at cherokeerelayforlife@yahoo. com. and we will be glad to assist you.

I would like to offer special thanks to the Cherokeean Herald for their willingness to help us promote this event and to make the teams' fundraising events successful by offering information about upcoming events. Your contribution to Relay For Life has been invaluable.

Additionally, I would like to thank the Cherokee County Exposition Center, specifically Wayne Berry and Mary Jo McKnight, for allowing us to use that facility at virtually the last minute in the face of a questionable weather.

To the hundreds of others who participated on a team, who offered corporate sponsorships, who made in-kind donations, who offered broadcast and print media publicity support, or whatever capacity helped make this event successful, your contribution is valued, important and appreciated.