The weather was great for this year’s Relay for Life, held July 24 and 25 at Gilead Friends Church.

“Hope” was the theme and 110 survivors and their guests attended the Survivor Meal before the evening’s events kicked off. The Opening Ceremony and Presentation of Colors began at 6 pm, followed by the Survivors Lap / Caregivers Lap. There was a full schedule of events including Spirit Stick Judging, a Painting contest, a Talent Show, the 10 pm Luminaria Ceremony, a Scavenger Hunt, Frozen T-Shirt Contest, a Jello eating contest, and a 4 am Boot Camp. A 4:30 am ‘Zombie Lap Breakfast’ was served followed by a pajama lap, with closing ceremonies at 6 am.

Each burning luminaria in the Luminaria Ceremony at 10 p.m. had a name and a story to tell. Many represent those loved ones who are actively fighting cancer, while others are for those who have lost their battle. During the lighting ceremony, there is a moment of silence in honor of and in memory of each of these individuals.

This year, 17 teams and about 15 vendors registered, raising almost $26,000 toward the goal of $31,000.

This year’s Relay For Life of Morrow County Leadership Team was: Event Lead and Bring the People Lead: Carolyn Curtis; Experience Lead: Connie Mattingly; Fund the Mission Lead: Andrea Mattix; Sponsorship Lead: Allegra Waldron; Team Ambassadors: Kelli Cooperider and Renee Ness; Survivor and Caregiver Leads: Lisa Saunders, Brenda Matthews and Rosemary Levings; Accounting Lead: Tammi Morrow; Entertainment Lead: Gavin Graham; and Logistics Lead: Zach Wilcocks.

For many, Relay is a year round event. The Leadership Team is a dedicated group who work tirelessly to make Relay For Life a success. They are always looking for new and passionate leadership members to join. There are a variety of positions available to fit multiple interests. If you would like to learn more about becoming a part of a wonderful team, you are welcome to contact Carolyn Curtis at [email protected].

Community members can still contribute to helping us reach our goal through August 31st, by sending checks made out to the American Cancer Society to:

American Cancer Society c/o RFL of Morrow County, 5555 Frantz Road, Dublin, OH 43017

2015 Relay for Life Morrow Co. Sponsors were:

Gilead Friends Church, Cardinal Center Campground, 8 Sisters Bakery Food, Cornerstone on the Square Food, Edison Quick Stop Food, VFW Post 8504 & AMVETS Post 87, McDonald’s of Galion & Bucyrus, Hickson Family Hospice of Morrow County, Inc, Life Line Medical Ambulance, Lubrication Specialties, Inc., Maple Run Veterinary Clinic LLC, Napa—Mt Gilead Auto Parts, Tom C. Elkin Co LPA, Central Ohio Farmers Co-op, Inc, Edco Producing, Morrow County Hosptial, Snyder Funeral Homes, Cardington Yutaka Technologies, Edison Car Wash, First Federal Bank of Ohio, Gompf Funeral Service, Kilgour’s Insurance Store, Peacock Water, Tidy Tim’s, Inc., Wick Law Office, Bennington Glen, Boondocks, Briar Patch, Cardington Village Hairsmith, Carrousel Antiques, Ltd., Connie Beery—Lake Homes Realty, Ellis Studios, Inc., First Knox National Bank, Gardens & Gifts, Gene Wells—Lake Homes Realty, Gompf Monuments, Grill & Chill, Hoffman Office Center, Homecare Matters Home Health & Hospice, Hope & Hugs from Hannah Scholarship, Howard Hanna Realcom Realty, Hughes Equipment, J & L Nursery, James Madison Insurance, Keith’s Flower Shop, Mary K’s Flowers, Memory Lane Bed & Breakfast, Mike Cheeseman Builders, LTD, Mike Graham Insurance, Morrow County BMV, Outback Country Store, Stephen W. Ritz DDS, Weiler Farms, and Williamsport Methodist Church.

LeAnne Gompf | Morrow County Sentinel Survivors of less than one year lead the opening lap during the Relay for Life on July 24. About 17 teams paricipated this year at the event held at Gilead Friends Church. Though the event is over, contributions toward the goal can still be made (details in article).
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_LSG_2007.jpgLeAnne Gompf | Morrow County Sentinel Survivors of less than one year lead the opening lap during the Relay for Life on July 24. About 17 teams paricipated this year at the event held at Gilead Friends Church. Though the event is over, contributions toward the goal can still be made (details in article).

Candlewood Lake Team takes a lap around the track.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_LSG_2057.jpgCandlewood Lake Team takes a lap around the track.

The Relay for Life is an annual event for the Farris Family.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_LSG_2060.jpgThe Relay for Life is an annual event for the Farris Family.

Edison United Methodist Church, supporting the cause,
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_LSG_2061.jpgEdison United Methodist Church, supporting the cause,

Candlewood Lake Team, a long time supporter of Relay joins the team lap around the track.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_LSG_2062.jpgCandlewood Lake Team, a long time supporter of Relay joins the team lap around the track.

Cardington South Main Street friends support Operation More Birthdays.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_LSG_2063.jpgCardington South Main Street friends support Operation More Birthdays.

Staff from Hospice of Morrow County walk during the Purple Pride Lap.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_LSG_2075.jpgStaff from Hospice of Morrow County walk during the Purple Pride Lap.

Team Kellie Jo gather for a photo at the start of the Relay for Life event.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_LSG_2055.jpgTeam Kellie Jo gather for a photo at the start of the Relay for Life event.

The Caregivers join for the traditional second lap in support of their loved ones.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_LSG_2050.jpgThe Caregivers join for the traditional second lap in support of their loved ones.

The Cancer Avengers Team cheer on the survivors as they take the opening lap.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_LSG_2047.jpgThe Cancer Avengers Team cheer on the survivors as they take the opening lap.

Stacy Whitt is remembered by family and friends during the 2015 Relay for Life Opening Ceremonies. Stacy fought a courageous four year battle and passed away June 25, 2015.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_LSG_1996.jpgStacy Whitt is remembered by family and friends during the 2015 Relay for Life Opening Ceremonies. Stacy fought a courageous four year battle and passed away June 25, 2015.

Survivors and their families gather for the Opening Ceremonies.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_LSG_1991.jpgSurvivors and their families gather for the Opening Ceremonies.

Whetstone Industries presents a check to the Morrow County Relay for Life representing the $2,700 they raised during their Hula Hoop for a Cause event.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_LSG_1990.jpgWhetstone Industries presents a check to the Morrow County Relay for Life representing the $2,700 they raised during their Hula Hoop for a Cause event.

Staff report

Photos by LeAnne Gompf