By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
May 22, 2001
BUTLER, Ala. Teams for Choctaw County's first Relay for Life raised more than double their goal in funds for the American Cancer Society.
The walk was held Friday at the old Vanity Fair complex, now owned by the city of Butler. Edwards said about 50 people attended the Survivors' Reception held an hour prior to opening ceremonies. She said Relay for Life will become an annual fund-raiser in Choctaw County.
Edwards said organizers put together a Relay for Life committee in Choctaw County because several people and teams had been participating in Wilcox County's Relay for Life for years.
The Whitted family's Hope, Faith and Charity team was the second team to sign up, the ladies Sunday school class at the First Baptist Church was the third and Regions Bank the fourth.
Saturday morning as Edwards prepared to close the ceremony, she looked into the eastern part of the sky and saw a moon and a single, shining star just like the Relay for Life logo.
She said she will not know the total amount of money raised until later in the week.
Awards went to the following teams: the Butler Volunteer Fire Department Fire Knights for the most money raised by a team and for the spirit of relay award; First United Security Bank for the most money raised per capita; Tracy Weeks of the Willow Trace Nursing Home Caregivers for the most money raised by an individual and for the care club award; Regions Bank of Butler Pioneers for the best campsite; First Baptist Church Ladies Sunday School Class Hill Climbers for best camp food; and, First Assembly of God Code Red Youth Cancer Patrol for best cancer facts displayed.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3275, or e-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.