Relay For Life Raises More Money Than Ever This year’s Relay for Life met and exceeded all expectations as well as the fundraising goal of $65,000 that will be used to fight cancer. Photos by Amy Dollar A special memorial was kept at this year’s Relay in honor and in memory of Mickie Furches, who had helped tremendously with past Relay events. By Fawn Roark The 2006 Ashe Relay for Life exceeded all expectations and has most likely raised more money than ever before although additional funds are still coming in. The goal of $65,000 was reached, but the official and final total will be announced at the Relay awards reception on August 14th, according to Event organizers. According to officials, the Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated. Team members walk together or individually as they help raise funds that may help pay for a cure for cancer. “The success of this year’s relay event shows the strength of Ashe County when we come together with a purpose. Every person, team or sponsor whether they donated or raised $20,000 or $3 contributed equally to the success of our event,” Ashe County Relay for Life Co-Chair Jennings Gray explained. “We are very proud of the tremendous efforts of our committee members and team captains. Also we want to extend a special thank you to our sponsors. Without their generosity, our event could not have even begun.” A special luminary ceremony was held in memory of Mickie Jones, who was extremely involved in Relay for Life over the past several years including being a chair of the event, was held. Jones lost her battle with cancer earlier this year and there were a very large amount of luminaries purchased to honor her as well. “When you work so closely with someone like Mickie for the past four years, it’s hard to imagine getting through the Relay event without her. She was a devoted supporter of our relay event since the beginning 11 years ago. It was our hope and promise to Mickie to create an event she would be proud of and I believe we did that, again, thanks to our committee members.” Gray said this was his last year co-chairing the event. “With mixed emotions, this was my last year co-chairing the event. I will continue to be involved with the relay event as chair of the logistics committee. I look forward to another great successful event under the exciting and enthusiastic leadership of DeAnna Lewis, which did an outstanding job this year as co-chair,” Gray added. Lewis said the work for Relay is never completed and there are already plans developing for fundraisers that will help earn money for next year’s event. A float will be in this year’s Christmas parade titled “The Best Gift is a Cure.” There are also plans for the countywide Womanless Beauty Pageant and a concert with Jeff Little and Friends. “As my first year as co-chair, I was amazed at the level of support we received from our community. Also, I was so impressed with the leadership and commitment shown by this year’s committee members and team captains,” Lewis explained. “From our initial kick-off meeting in February, our goal was to bring the community together to fight cancer by hosting a successful Relay event. After six months of tremendous effort by everyone involved, we know that lives will be changed and lives will be saved thanks to the success of our county’s Relay.” For other information about the Relay for Life, contact Co-Chair DeAnna S. Lewis at 828-964-3930.