County volunteers raise nearly $33,000 for fight against cancer

Relay For Life teams of Vernon County were just short $67 of raising $33,000 in their fundraising campaign for the American Cancer Society.

"Our fundraising year ends Aug. 31 and after all the team money is turned in, matching funds are received and corporate sponsors are added, we have our final total. We knew we were close and are thrilled with the final total," stated Julie Kemper, committee chair.

The team holding the distinction of remaining the top fundraising team was the Nevada R-5 School District.

The campaign is highlighted each year with a Relay For Life walk on a Friday evening in June, starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 6 the next morning. Teams come together, camp out on the courthouse lawn, enjoy entertainment, participate in "Relay" races, dance contests, and games and they walk -- around the Square -- "representing the continual effort we are in to find a cure for cancer."

The committee has already set the date for their "walk" in 2014 for June 27. "We want the public to come to this event and participate with us," Kemper said. "And we want to invite everyone to our kick-off chili dinner to learn more about starting a team or joining one." This no-cost chili dinner at the Moore-Few basement community room is Tuesday, Nov. 19, beginning at 5:30 p.m. for all who are interested in becoming involved.

For more information about Relay For Life and how to become involved, call Linda Chesnut at 417-448-1144 or the American Cancer Society's 24-hour help line at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the web site at www.cancer.org.