Cancer Fighters Thank Lions

Lee County’s Relay for Life cancer fundraising committee is closing out its 2009 year with great success despite poor economic conditions that reduced the giving of many donors, Chair Shirley Crissman told members of the Sanford Lions Club Thursday, Aug. 13.

Crissman was joined by Crystal Stubits, committee advocacy chair, and Natalie Leary, regional manager for Relay for Life in Lee, Chatham and Moore counties. Introducing the program was Lion Glenn Stubits, also a committee member and volunteer.

The Lee County event, held at the Lions Fairgrounds and Entertainment Center, this spring raised $161,638 for research to help cure all forms of cancer. There were 45 Relay teams involving 859 participants, Crissman said. And each and every person worked very hard to remember those taken by the disease and honor those survivors who bravely fight it. The organization also pays tribute and provides assistance to familes and caregivers of cancer victims.

Leary, the regional manager, expressed the American Cancer Society’s sincere thanks to all the businesses, civic organizations, churches, schools, and families for their support. She also thanked the Lions Club for use of the outstanding fairgrounds facility and the clubs relay team which raised almost $4,000 for the charity.

Lee Regional Fair director Ronnie Turner gave a brief report on the upcoming fun event set for Sept. 15-20 at the fairgrounds. He said there will be new amusements on the midway and a number of new special attractions such as a professional lumberjack exhibition. Reports from fairs around the country indicate that people still support top quality entertainment close to home like local fairs, Turner said. Noting that the club will begin work nights this week, he urged all Lions to dedicate themselves to the success of this year’s fair. And he encourages all citizens to support this major fundraiser that helps the blind and sight impaired with local needs and medical research.

President Richard Hendley presided at the meeting and Willard Garren gave the invocation. Phil Bradley led in the Pledge of Allegiance and Song Leader John Byrd led singing of Happy Birthday to several members along with a solo entitled “Walking Up the King’ Highway.” Guest Tom Mann of Raleigh, son of Russel Mann, was welcomed.