Relay a huge success

The back of Sen. Bob Marshall's shirt reads, "I am hope." Marshall, a cancer survivor, spoke at the survivor ceremony. Relay for Life benefits cancer research and care for the American Cancer Society.(Angelique McNaughton/Tribune)

Bourbon County residents celebrated, remembered and fought back against cancer Friday night during the 17th annual 2012 Relay for Life.

The new location, at the Fort Scott Community College walking trail, welcomed more than 1,200 participants and survivors for the night-long trek. Previously held at Fort Scott High School's Frary Field, organizers were hoping the new spot would be "more visually appealing." Air-conditioned survivor lounges were also provided inside the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center.

Local chapter committee accountant Gina Findley, CPA with Diehl, Banwart and Bolton, said she received "very positive" feedback from those who participated.

Three cancer survivors hold hands as they complete the survivor and caregiver lap on Friday. More than 1,200 participants attended the Relay.(Angelique McNaughton/Tribune)

"Everybody loved the new location and felt like the survivors were treated extra special," Findley said Monday.

Attendees were treated to live music, games and competitions that lasted well into the early hours Saturday morning.

Special ceremonies were held for the lighting of the more than 1,000 luminarias that lined the entire relay track to memorialize and honor loved ones and a unique fireworks display was set off.

The nationally recognized Ward-Kraft team presents a $20,000 check to the Bourbon County Relay for Life chapter Friday. All together, the event raised $61,613 -- surpassing the organizers' original goal of $50,000.(Angelique McNaughton/Tribune)

In keeping up with the Relay for Life theme "celebrating a world with more birthdays," organizers held a special recognition for Ty Lundberg's first birthday. Ty was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at 3 weeks old.

His dad, Josh Lundberg, said the evening was "fantastic."

"Just celebrating everybody and the slide show and fireworks, I thought it was more for everybody than just for Ty. But it was his birthday," Lundberg said. "It was a nice evening."

Final totals for the event far exceeded organizers' goals, with $61,613 raised by about 50 teams. Going into Friday, the count was at $54,000.

A special check presentation honored the nationally recognized Ward-Kraft team for their efforts to raise $20,000.

Longtime participant and Relay for Life member Joy O'Neal had said in a previous Tribune article she remembers when the chapter used to raise $50,000 every year and she would like to "see us get back to that."

"I think we are definitely on the right track," O'Neal. "I was extremly pleased. I thought it was a big success overall."

Event co-chair and cancer survivor Bailey Gray said she was proud of the effort put forth.

"I'm increadibly pleased and proud of the committee members, volunteers and community," Gray said. "I think it was great showing of the community."

Gray, who will be the co-chair next year, said a wrap-up meeting will be held July 11. Planning for next year, she said, will start sometime in September.

The Sharing Bucket's Fall Festival fundraiser will be held Oct. 6 this year at Lavetta Simmons' home, 2478 Limestone Road.

Relay for Life and Sharing Bucket participate in the event.

"I just want to give a big thank-you from me to all the committee and volunteers and sponsors and people who just came out to support us," Gray.