5/17/07

Clarendon Relay celebrates survivors, remembers victims
By Eric Goold

ERIC GOOLD/Manning Times

Clarendon Relay for Life 2007 was last Friday night. Hundreds of cancer survivors celebrated their victory early in the evening; later, those lost to cancer would be honored in the moving luminary ceremony.

It was a celebration of hope and life.

The party went well into Saturday’s early morning hours at Manning High School as cancer survivors, caregivers and Clarendon County citizens celebrated the 12th annual Relay For Life.

Clarendon County’s version of the Relay has long had a reputation for being one of the best in South Carolina, and last Friday and Saturday’s installment was no different as hundreds of people poured onto the Manning High football field for the festivities.

“There are a lot of things going on in Manning and Clarendon County that make me proud, and this is one of the biggest,” said Mayor Kevin Johnson. “It’s so good to see people from all walks of life come out to support a worthy cause. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Before the first lap around the track commenced, the “Survivor’s Walk” in which cancer survivors commemorate their successful fight against the disease, Mayor Johnson spoke to the throngs of people wearing purple T-shirts, the survivors.

“You’re an inspiration to us,” he said.

The survivors did their walk and then their caregivers joined them for a second lap around the track. Family members, clinicians, concerned friends and clergy members walked with the cancer survivors and showed their support.

“This is an important night for all of us,” said Master of Ceremonies Tripp Boykin. “Thank you all so much for being a part of it.”

The walking around the track continued all throughout the night. Other festivities included raffles, field games for children, Clarendon County’s own version of Dancing with the Stars, various booths and displays for enjoyment and everyone’s favorite fund-raising effort, giving money to the many cross-dressers from local churches.

“There’s been a great turnout and great weather,” said 2007 Relay For Life Chairperson Kristi Downer. “It’s the people that make it unique. It’s the community coming out as one that makes it special. It brings tears to my eyes.”

A fundraising benchmark of $150,000 was set, and as of 11:30 p.m. on Friday night, Downer said around $131,600 had been raised to help find a cure for cancer.

“There’s still about 30 minutes to go,” said Downer. “And we have until August 31 to reach our goal. We’ve had a great start tonight!”

After different dance teams from around the county put on some presentations on the main stage, all the Relay participants and partiers gathered to watch the highlight of the evening, the Mr. Relay Pageant.

The “beauty” pageant for the men in drag came complete with catcalls and whoops from the audience, a talent show and personal interviews between Boykin and the fabulously attired entrants.

“They were hysterical,” said Downer about the Mr. Relay contestants. “Besides the survivors and their families, the Mr. Relay participants are the most popular people out here. They really draw the crowd.”

The entrant from the Crossroads Fellowship won the Mr. Relay Pageant. Crossroads also won recognition for Best Campsite while the group from Home Branch won the award for Best Use of Theme.

Several of the Relay’s corporate sponsors set up tents and booths and sold food for the partiers, with all the proceeds going to the Relay.

Corporate sponsors donated to the fundraising according to a scale and were recognized for their efforts after contributing $500 (Bronze), $750 (Silver), $1,000 (Gold) and $1,500 (Platinum).

Downer had a message of thanks for the many corporate sponsors around Clarendon County.

“Without you, this would not be possible,” she said.

There was a feeling of hope and gratitude throughout the event, and the words “Hope” and “Cure” that were illuminated on the seats of Ramsey Stadium said it all.

“We all come together as one,” said Downer. “No matter your church, color or school, this community comes together as one to help find a cure. There’s hope here.”