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Marshall County Relay For Life Raises Nearly $50K For American Cancer Society

One Volunteer Raises $4K Selling Fudge

MOUNDSVILLE - The Marshall County Relay For Life raised nearly $50,000 for the American Cancer Society this year, said relay volunteer Karen Coffield.

The relay was held this past spring at the John Marshall Field House.

"During the wrap-up gathering at Perkins, Relay For Life event leader Trish Weinschenker announced that the total fundraising amount of $49,396.96 is just a few dollars shy of the $50,000 goal," Coffield said. "There were 24 active teams made up of school groups, family members, organizations, churches and businesses. These teams worked throughout the year developing fundraising events, selling luminaries and supporting other teams."

She added that 10 of the 24 teams raised more than $1,000 each, while five raised between $3,000 and $15,000.

Certificates were presented to top fundraisers who were present during the recent meeting.

"Top Relay fundraiser was Tina Parsons, who co-chairs the Rise N Shine 5k sponsored by Marshall County Relay for Life," Coffield said. "Tina made and sold fudge at Christmas - nearly $4,000 worth of the delicious candy. Tina relays in honor of her husband Tom who was taken away from her by cancer. Tom developed the 5K which will be in its 11th year Sept. 13. Tina Parsons is a major advocate for Relay for Life as she wants to decrease the number of people who are lost to cancer. Funds raised help researchers develop new treatments and cures."

Coffield noted there were three Gold Teams registered with the relay this year.

"John Marshall High CIS, Hilltop Huskies and Pookie Power (Woods Family Team)," she said. "Gold teams' funds go directly to childhood cancer research. Most of the funds raised at Relay go to research as well as education, prevention, and patient support. ACS staff partners remind us that fundraising is not all ACS does, however, doing what we do requires funding."

This year, Perkins Restaurant allowed the relay to have two Dine-To-Donate events there. With this in mind, a plaque of thanks was presented to the eatery for being a sponsor.

Coffield said it also was announced during the gathering that Weinschenker and co-leader Bonnie Wendt would be retiring from their leadership roles after six years.

"She thanked everyone for volunteering to support the Relay for Life Event each of those six years. Trish expressed the belief that 'this was the best Relay ever.' New leadership will be in the hands of Janeen Plogger and Susie Hinerman," Coffield said.

Coffield said people may still register with the Cancer Action Network, a branch of the American Cancer Society, to receive a luminary to decorate that will be taken to Charleston, W.Va., on Sept. 27. To date, more than 300 luminaries are slated to be taken to the state display.

"The early September local display date will be announced after arrangements are made," she added. "The Wolf Run Presbyterian Church donated a $2,000 sponsorship to Cancer Action Network. Other sponsorships were from two women's groups from the Limestone Presbyterian Church."