The 2014 Relay for Life proved to be another successful event with Brown County raising more than $54,000 to support the fight against cancer. Sponsors of the event raised $19,000, while 38 teams raised $35,000. Ten teams each raised more than $1,000. The top fundraising team for the event was “Team Cade,” who raised over $5,000.
“We Can Be Heroes” was the theme for the 2014 event, and Gordon Wood Stadium filled June 6 with survivors, supporters and hundreds of others who attended to honor loved ones still battling cancer and those lost to the disease. Tammy Robinson, co-chair for the 2014 event said she was in awe of the community support. “They came together once again for an amazing event with an amazing purpose,” Robinson said. “The turnout was amazing as usual. We can fight this battle as long as we keep coming together for this. I hope the Relay continues in our community for years to come.”
This year’s event was in honor of Cade Boyle who lost his battle to cancer last year. Boyle’s family and friends, also known as “Team Cade” accepted a plaque honoring his life and battle with cancer. Adult survivor honoree Brandy Bishop and child survivor honoree Yelana Martin arrived to the event via helicopter and were honored in front of the crowd at Gordon Wood Stadium.The 2014 Relay for Life included live music, food, games and a luminaria ceremony, which saw hundreds of luminarias line the track at the stadium. A (donated) canned good item was placed into decorated white sacks, with candles placed on top. At 10 p.m. the lights to the stadium were turned off, with Dallas Huston reading the names of cancer survivors as well as those who lost their battle with cancer. In the bleachers, cheerleaders from Brownwood and Early High Schools teamed up to use luminaries to spell the words “hope” and “cure” in the stands. “I love that part of the event,” Robinson said. “That’s what it is all about.” Approximately 1,270 pounds of canned goods were donated for the luminaries and when the relay was over, the canned goods were donated to two local food pantries.
Planning for the 2015 Relay for Life has already begun. Co-chairs for the 2015 event are Elaine Hall and Rick Phelps. The first organizational meeting for anyone interested in being part of the Relay for Life Committee will be August 19 at noon at Section Hand restaurant. If you would like to volunteer or contribute, contact Rick Phelps at 325-200-1276. You can also receive daily updates regarding next year’s event by visiting Brown County Relay for Life on Facebook.
