Norma Richardson of Sparta cuts a purple ribbon to signify the official start of the Relay for Life just prior to the beginning of the survivor’s walk last Friday evening at Crouse Park.

Relay for Life tops goal

The Alleghany Relay for Life has already exceeded its $25,000 county goal by almost $5,000, raising $29,538.19 by the end of the two-day event held in Crouse Park on Aug. 12 and 13.

The event was moved to the park to increase interest, according to event chairman, Michelle DeBord.

“We were really pleased with the new location and hope to be there again next year,” she said. “We were hoping to spark new interest with the new location and we are pleased with the turnout.”

About 332 luminaries were purchased for the nighttime ceremony, during which the word “Hope” was spelled out with use of the luminaries near the intersection of N.C. 18 and Grayson Street.

The top four fundraising teams in no particular order were Williams Family and Friends, Sparta Presbyterian Church, Sparta Methodist Church and Alleghany Memorial Hospital. Each raised move than $3,000.

About 19 teams participated in the two-day event this year, according to DeBord. The guest speaker of the event was Lisa Bottomley and the ribbon cutting prior to the survivor’s walk was done by Norma Richardson.

This year, the relay held a Queen Relakahuna pageant, in which three local men, Ryan Lane, Robbie Presnell and Paul Herndon dressed as Hawaiian princesses to raise money for the cause. The trio raised more than $1,100.

Above left: Jo Jo the Clown (Jo Birch) paints a decorative design on the face of 9-year-old Katie Lundy of Piney Creek.

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