Relay walkers, volunteers honored

Last month, 25 teams raised more than $27,000 in the West Marion Relay for Life.

Michel Northsea

While other walkers were packing in Fran Cousins kept lapping the track in this year’s Relay for Life. Her dedication earned her the designation of the “Most Important Relayer.

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John Sullivan team captain of the Oak Run Stalkers accepts the trophy for the Oak Run team. The group raised $4,605 in the fight against cancer to be named the top fundraising team. He was presented the trophy by Jennifer Brannon, community representative for the American Cancer Society.

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Sandra Miller looks at her “super survivor award.”

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Team Pratt showed their spirit during the actual relay and again last week as they accepted the trophy for having the most spirit during the wrap-up party for this year’s Relay for Life. Front left is Ellen Baleno. Left to right are, Debra Greene, Sandra Miller, Haylee Sorrell, Mary Sorrell and Terry Miller, team recruitment chair.

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The top three fundraising teams for the 2011 Relay for Life were honored last week during a wrap-up party. The team captains accepted the prizes. Left to right are, Lucy Noe, Singing for the Kure, third place; Helen Leeson, Lucky Aces, second place; and John Sullivan, Oak Run Stalkers, first place

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Merlita McGrath personally raised $2,040 to be named top fundraised for the 2011 Relay for Life.

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Last week, top teams were awarded prizes for their effort during a wrap-up party at Countryside Presbyterian Church.

Earning the designation as top team, based on money raised, was The Stalkers of Oak Run. The group raised $4,605 to benefit the American Cancer Society.  John Sullivan was the team captain.

Sullivan personally was recognized as the second highest individual fundraiser and the Stalkers team also had the best decorated campsites judges decided.

Merlita McGrath took the top honor raising $2,040 in the fight against cancer. She was the highest individual for the 2010 relay also.

Ron Eaton of the West Marion Moose Lodge came in third in the same contest.

Other teams recognized for their fundraising efforts was team Lucky Aces raising $4,090 for the cause. The third place team was Singing for the Kure with Lucy Noe as captain. The team raised $3,613.

The three top teams collected $12,312.

The wrap up party wasn’t all about money.

A huge Spirit trophy went to Team Pratt Industries for showing the most spirit throughout the night.

Fran Cousins from Team Hale Kovacs earned the MIR award. The MIR award is the Most Important Relayer. Cousin was recognized for staying on the track and walking laps till the very end, even though other teams were breaking camp.

Team Techies were recognized as the super survivor team and Sandra Miller from Team Pratt earned the super survivor award. Miller “survived” all the planning meetings leading up to relay.

Airport Road Animal Clinic was selected as the rookie team of the year.

Donna Rosas sent the most emails through the cancer society’s website in her funding raising efforts. In the same vein, Sullivan was recognized for raising the most money through the site.

And there was even a “jamin in our jammies award” that went to Ocala Talent Stars from Ocala Model and Talents.