4th annual East Central Relay For Life for the American Cancer Society

Tonya Buxton fundraisers

2009-07-15T07:05:00.001-07:00

We need your help! The following are fundraisers that members of the community are hosting for Tonya Buxton, one of the EC Relay committee members who has been diagnosed with cancer. Her family does not have medical insurance. Please copy and paste this post and send it out to everyone on your address list.

Thank you so much for your help and prayers!

1) ARBY SALE MOVED TO JULY 16TH
*CONTACT BETH OR AMANDA FOR MORE INFO. / HELP NEEDED

2) PURSE SALE WILL BE JULY 30TH, 31ST AND AUG. 1ST AT SASSY'S
*DROP OFF LOCATIONS: SASSY'S, CASWELL SPRINGS CHURCH AND CENTURY BANK-HURLEY**

3) MUSIC FESTIVAL MOVED TO NOV. 14TH

4) AUG. 9TH - LUNCH FUNDRAISER AT CASWELL SPRINGS CHURCH
* THIS WILL DONE MONTHLY*

5) NEXT MEETING --- WEDNESDAY, JULY 15TH @ 7:30
* WILL BE PREPARING BAGS FOR ARBY SALE

6) RAFFLE TICKETS ARE READY AND AVAILABLE AT CENTURY BANK IN HURLEY OR CONTACT DONNA SAMPSON 588-6242 / 219-3972
*RAFFLE DRAWING WILL BE AUG. 1ST AT THE LAST DAY OF PURSE SALE @ SASSY'S

7) ATTACHED IS LAST UPDATED CONTACT LIST

If any questions, please feel free to contact Stephanie Crump @ 219.2447 or 588.0164 or 474.3425.

Photos from Relay

2009-05-28T02:06:00.000-07:00

Finally.... we have pictures!!!! Thanks for your patience - hope you enjoy! And don't forget - right click any photo to save to your own computer. Thank you to photographer Wade Nelson.

2009-05-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED WITH THE 2009 EAST CENTRAL RELAY FOR LIFE.

$150,000 +

Amazing!

Don't forget the cookout May 22 at Lum Cumbest Family Park for all the teams and committee members. Team awards will be announced! Call Donna Carpenter for details - 588-4852.

Here's one photo from that night - we're waiting on more and will put them on as soon as we get the CD with them on it! If you have some email them to me, Donna Harris, at magnoliareporter@aol.com. Thanks!

RELAY IN 2 DAYS!!!!!

2009-04-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

Come to the
2009 EC Relay For Life
*Friday Night at the Stadium*

Free Admission, Free Parking,
Free Fireworks, Free Entertainment

Gates open 5 p.m.
Opening Ceremony 7 p.m.
Celebration of Hope 9 p.m.
Fireworks to follow

Bring the family and support our teams
as we help the American Cancer Society
take a step closer to a cure!

Gumbo, Ribeye Sandwiches, Homemade Desserts, Red Beans and Rice, Hamburgers
Rock Wall, Inflatables, Laser Tag

Friday, April 24, HD Shirley Stadium at ECHS

2009-04-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

David's Fearless Fighters say the karaoke singers had a great time!

Survivor Reception Photos

2009-04-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

CPR Breakfast

2009-04-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Team Full Life is sponsoring a CPR Certification class Saturday at 8 a.m. at the church on Hwy. 614.

A $15 donation gets you breakfast followed by CPR training.

Call Terri at 990-4597 before noon Friday to register.

Karaoke Contest April 18

2009-04-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

Karaoke Contest hosted by David's Fearless Fighters

Saturday, April 18
7-9:30 p.m.
Sea Dawg's Cove, Denny Avenue in Moss Point (across from the fire department and police station)

$3 cover charge for spectators
$10 entry fee for singers

Contestants must pre-register at Sea Dawg's Cove before 6 p.m. on the 18th.

David's Fearless Fighters will be serving that evening and all cover charges, entry fees, tips and donations will go to their Relay team.

All ages are welcome to attend, but only 18 and over may enter the contest.

DJ Vivian Boyington from Mobile and has 200,000+ songs for contestants to choose from!

Easter Basket Winner Announced

2009-04-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

Team Huntin' for a Cure raffled off a huge Easter basket. Congratulations to the winners: Loni and Lee Lambert of Big Point!

Team Meeting THURSDAY

2009-03-31T04:03:00.000-07:00

Teams should turn in all money raised so far to our "bankers" Thursday night. Lots happening at this meeting - come ready with dates for the calendar!

If you have any fliers to be printed, get them to Donna Carpenter before the meeting so she can make copies to give out Thursday.

And as always - great door prizes, bingo and yummy food and fellowship!!!!!

Committee meeting TONIGHT

2009-03-31T03:59:00.000-07:00

Committee meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at M&M Bank.

Come ready to give an update on your committee's progress toward the big night! If you can't be there email update to Cherie so she can share it with everyone.

We will also be discussing plans for our Survivor's Banquet which is April 14th.

2009-03-31T03:57:00.000-07:00

The ECHS Team Car Wash at Advance Auto in Hurley has been changed to April 18. Come get your car washed and support our kids' fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society!

Cutest Baby Photo Contest

2009-03-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

Cutest Baby Photo Contest
Send picture and $15 donation to:
Full Life Assembly of God
P.O. Box 1026
Hurley, MS 39555
Make checks payable to “EC Relay for Life.”

Photos will be displayed at the Team Full Life tent at the East Central Relay For Life on April 24.

The “Cutest Baby” will be chosen by popular vote.

Remember….
$$$ = VOTE so the more $$$ donated,
the more votes the photo gets.

The winner receives a $50 gift
certificate to Kimberly Hiestand
Photography of Hurley.

For more information call Terri
at 990-4597 and leave message.

ECHS Players "Skits 'n' Such"

2009-03-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

From Donna Carpenter:

"I laughed harder last night than I have laughed in years. Those kids are hilarious. Krystal Sisson gave hours of her time along with this special group of students to raise $2,500 for the ECHS Relay Team. Also last night we had an art sale. Students donated art and a silent auction went on before the skits and at intermission. Art teacher Brenda Salter organized the art showing. The event added several hundred dollars to our night’s total."

Student actors:
Zeke Wells

Patrick Davis
Natalie Hammond
Seth Newbill
Tim Wells
Clayton Reese
Matthew Balcer
Mary Grace Stewart
Megan Finley
Chyane Norsworthy
Mandy Sandifer
Taylor Elkins
Bryan Scruggs
Tyler Hill
Reid Cumbest
Samantha Wells
TEM
Larry Sisson
Jack Sisson

Friends of the Fight Plant Sale

2009-03-23T02:01:00.000-07:00

Chi Hamilton said the plant sale held in Hurley March 20 and 21 was a huge success. They'll be having another one soon in Vancleave!

Relay Golf Tournament

2009-03-22T14:47:00.001-07:00

Thanks to everyone who helped, donated, played and prayed for a great Relay golf tournament Saturday. Over 20 teams tee'd off and lots of money was raised for the American Cancer Society!

Little kid, big heart

2009-03-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

Big hearts can come in pint-sized packages.

Six-year-old Jordan Smith’s brown eyes twinkle when she talks about her letter.

The daughter of Doug and Kim Smith of Hurley dictated the letter to her mother so she can raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Kim is captain of the Magnolia Springs Assembly of God Church team for the East Central Relay and Jordan is currently the top fundraiser with $265.

Jordan sent out about nine printed letters, which she addressed herself. There’s a picture of a smiling Jordan hugging her grandfather, Joe Davis, who died in July. They included self-addressed stamped envelopes to make the giving easier.

Her letter:
“I’m going to walk a really long way on April 24, 2009, in Relay for Life. It’s to get money to fight a yucky bug called cancer. My PawPaw Joe got cancer and now he’s in Heaven. The doctors gave him lots of medicine, but they didn’t have the right one, so I’m going to give them money so they can find the medicine that will make cancer go away. Will you please help me? You can send me a check, like my mommy uses a lot, or you can give money online, kind of like when I use the computer to visit Disney Channel.
Thank you,
Jordan

Jordan’s plea touched her family and checks started coming in.

She loves to see her name on the Relay web site (www.relayforlife.org/hurley).

“Everybody’s name is down,” she said. “Mine is at the top!”

Kim Smith said she’d known people with cancer, but when her father died it touched her personally. “To see it up close, to see how much it changes a person’s life, it’s devastating,” she said.

Other fundraisers:
March 20- “PURSEonal “- Purse Resale, Hurley Methodist Church

March 20- Steppin Out Sleepover@ Studio for Girls K-6th grade.

March 20-21- Plant Sale- Friends of the Fight @Century Bank

March 21- Golf Tournament given by Committee and any teams that would like to help.

March 25- Magnolia Springs Spaghetti Dinner

March 28- Breakfast with the Easter Bunny @ Caswell Springs

April 4- ECHS Team Car Wash @ Advance Auto

April 17-18 – Plant Sale- Friends of the Fight inVancleave @ VHS Front Yard

Ongoing Sales:

Southern Belle T-shirts sold by the Committee

Southern Belle T-shirts sold by M&M Bank

Lipsuckers $1- sold by ECMS/Kissin Cancer Goodbye

Sun/Moon Contest @ ECHS 1st Block Contest

Hope Braclets being sold by ECHS

2008 4A Baseball Campions Picture Raffle- Friends of the Fight-tickets sold @ the link, Sassy’s, Southern Delight, BP Wade, Hurley Chevron

Caswell Springs has 11 Bath and Beauty Baskets, first Aid Kit, Dinner @ Sassy’s, Dinners @ Catfish Point, Cake by Tanya Cumbest and many more Raffles. They also have a Heart Tree for Memory and Honor.

ECLE- Cookbook

Safe Harbor has a I-Pod shuffle and Patriotic Quilt Raffles.

Curves has 2 beautiful Cancer Relay Blankets and a Sisters Gift Basket for Raffle.

Father’s Day Basket Raffle- Lots of really good items.

St Ann’s“Budding Artist Show”- ECLE- Parents buy Art

Cutest Baby Picture Contest- TBA- Full Life

Race for a Cure to Cancer

2009-03-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

Hurley Speedway will be hosting a benefit short track cart race for the Relay For Life on March 28 at 11 a.m., with proceeds going to the Century Bank team.

This will be a regular race day for the track, but it will be a double points race for the drivers. All proceeds collected by the track will be donated to Relay For Life.

"Tell everyone you know to come out and support those who are struggling to survive and the ones who have beat the worst word your family could hear, CANCER," said the Hurley Speedway folks.

General Admission is $5/person
Pit Passes $10/person

Children 6 and under free.

Join the fun for all ages! Bring your family — bring your friends — bring your lawn chairs — bring a smile.

Come hungry! 100% of proceeds (concessions and admissions) are for Relay for Life. Great door prizes will be awarded!

Hurley's own Richie Jones will be opening the race-day with the National Anthem and performing original music between races!

Hurley Speedway is located on Belle Etheridge Road north of the four way intersection. Visit http://www.hurleyspeedway.com/ for more information.

Prom Dresses Needed for Sale

2009-03-05T16:56:00.000-08:00

Prom Dress
Resale
Friday, March 13th
3:30 to 7:00 PM
at the

East Central Community Center

Start bringing your dresses

you would like to sell
to Rochelle Jefcoat's room

at the high school.

Please have your name, phone number

and price attached to the dress.

20 % of Sales goes to the

ECHS Relay for Life Team

For more information
Contact Donna @

588-4852 or 217-8070

Golf applications at EC Link

2009-03-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

Pick up your application at the Link office in front of TJ's Poboys.

Deadline to register is quickly approaching!

Updated Calendar of Events

2009-03-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest updates on Relay For Life events. Please support our awesome teams!

* March 6- Wild Game Supper @3 Rivers Assembly, Friends of the Fight, Tickets pre-sale - SOLD OUT!!!!

* March 6-7 Yard Sale @ Caswell Springs

* March 13- St. Patricks Day Dance,3-5 grade, Huntin' For A Cure @ Hurley Community Center

* March 14- Old Fashion Day

* March 15- Pancake Breakfast @ St. Ann Catholic Church

* March 20- “PURSEonal “- Purse Resale, Hurley Methodist Church

* March 20- Steppin Out Sleepover@ Studio for Girls K-6th grade.

* March 20-21- Plant Sale- Friends of the Fight @Century Bank

* March 21- Golf Tournament given by Committee and any teams that would like to help.

* March 25- Magnolia Springs Spaghetti Dinner

* March 28- Breakfast with the Easter Bunny @ Caswell Springs

* April 4- ECHS Team Car Wash @ Advance Auto

* April 17-18 – Plant Sale- Friends of the Fight inVancleave @ VHS Front Yard

Ongoing Sales:
Southern Belle T-shirts sold by the Committee
Southern Belle T-shirts sold by M&M Bank
Lipsuckers $1- sold by ECMS/Kissin Cancer Good-bye
Sun/Moon Contest @ ECHS 1st Block Contest
Hope Braclets being sold by ECHS
2008 4A Baseball Campions Picture Raffle- Friends of the Fight-tickets sold @ the link, Sassy’s, Southern Delight, BP Wade, Hurley Chevron
Caswell Springs has 11 Bath and Beauty Baskets, first Aid Kit, Dinner @ Sassy’s, Dinners @ Catfish Point, Cake by Tanya Cumbest and many more Raffles. They also have a Heart Tree for Memory and Honor.
ECLE- Cookbook
Safe Harbor has a I-Pod shuffle and Patriotic Quilt Raffles.
Curves has 2 beautiful Cancer Relay Blankets and a Sisters Gift Basket for Raffle.
Father’s Day Basket Raffle- Lots of really good items. St Ann’s
“Budding Artist Show”- ECLE- Parents buy Art
Cutest Baby Picture Contest- TBA- Full Life

Zachry Bake Sale

2009-03-04T04:12:00.000-08:00

On Monday, March 9th the FVC Committee will conduct a Bake Sale with homemade cakes, brownies and cookies for sale to help raise money for the “Relay for Life Cancer Walk” on Friday, April 24th.
The homemade cakes will sell for $10 per cake. Brownies and cookies with a quantity of 24 will sell for $10. There will be several choices so get your crew to pool their money and buy homemade cakes, brownies or cookies for a great cause.

The cakes will be available to purchase in the conference room at the compound at 8:30 a.m. on a first come first serve basis.

Caswell Springs Rummage Sale

2009-03-04T04:00:00.001-08:00

Rummage Sale
Caswell Springs UMC
this Friday & Saturday

8am-2pm
Proceeds will benefit Relay For Life

Any questions?

Call Gay Rudolf 588-6842

or the church at 588-6546

POSTPONED

2009-02-27T12:54:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Yard Sale at Paula's house (just down from Super Sav) has been postponed a week. Looks like rain guys!

2009-02-19T11:36:00.000-08:00

Here's some of the ongoing sales our wonderful Relay teams are doing. Please support them!

eSouthern Belle T-shirts sold by the Committee
Southern Belle T-shirts sold by M&M Bank
Lipsuckers $1- sold by ECMS/Kissin Cancer Good-bye
Sun/Moon Contest @ ECHS 1st Block Contest
Hope Braclets being sold by ECHS
2008 4A Baseball Campions Picture Raffle- Friends of the Fight-tickets sold @ the link, Sassy’s, Southern Delight, BP Wade, Hurley Chevron
Caswell Springs has 11 Bath and Beauty Baskets, first Aid Kit, Dinner @ Sassy’s, Dinners @ Catfish Point, Cake by Tanya Cumbest and many more Raffles. They also have a Heart Tree for Memory and Honor.
ECLE- Cookbook
Safe Harbor has a I-Pod shuffle and Patriotic Quilt Raffles.
Curves has 2 beautiful Cancer Relay Blankets and a Sisters Gift Basket for Raffle.
Father’s Day Basket Raffle- Lots of really good items. St Ann’s
“Budding Artist Show”- ECLE- Parents buy Art

2009-02-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

Let's get PURSEonal to Fight Cancer!

Hurley UMC Youth are selling "loved" purses

to raise money for Relay for Life.

All purses have been well taken care of

and are waiting for new owners.

Prices range from $5 to $30.

Raffle for a brand new "Hope Garden" print

Vera Bradley purse.

WHEN: 7 p.m., Friday, March 20

WHERE: Hurley UMC Fellowship Hall, Hwy. 613

Light refreshments will be served

Call Stephanie at (601) 508-4574 if you have questions

or would like to donate any of your "loved" purses.

Golf tournament - Relay Committee

2009-02-19T11:13:00.000-08:00

2009 East Central Relay for Life Golf Tournament
Benefitting the American Cancer Society
WHAT: 4-person Scramble
WHEN: Saturday March 21, 2009 – 8 a.m. Shotgun Start
WHERE: Whispering Pines Golf Course, Hwy. 613 in Hurley

Prizes for: Hole in One, Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive .... And lots of door prizes just for joining us for the fun!

Just $260 per team (includes food and drink)

For Golfer Info, Sponsorships and Donations:
Charles Persons – 216-3015
Sue Ellen McNabb – 623-4941

Mail entry fee by 03/13/09 and make payable to:
American Cancer Society
P.O. BOX 1204
Hurley, MS 39555

Calendar of Events

2009-02-19T10:28:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest calendar of events from your Team Development Chair, Donna Carpenter. If you have more information about any of these, please email the PR chick at magnoliareporter@aol.com. - Thanks, Donna Harris

Feb. 28 – St. Ann’s Yard Sale
Feb. 28 - Estabrook Yard Sale
March 6- Wild Game Supper @ Three Rivers Assembly, hosted by Friends of the Fight
March 6-7 Yard Sale @ Caswell Springs
March 13 - St. Patricks Day Dance, 3-5 grade, hosted by Huntin' For A Cure @ East Central Community Center.
March 14 - Hurley Old Fashion Day
March 15 - Pancake Breakfast @ St. Ann's
March 20 - “Let's Get PURSEonal To Fight Cancer!" - Purse Resale, Hurley Methodist Church
March 20-21 - Plant Sale - hosted by Friends of the Fight @ Century Bank's parking lot in Hurley.
March 21 - Golf Tournament given by Committee and any teams that would like to help.
March 28 - Breakfast with the Easter Bunny @ Caswell Springs
April 4 - ECHS Team Car Wash @ Advance Auto
April 17-18 – Plant Sale- Friends of the Fight, inVancleave @ VHS Front Yard

Upcoming Yard Sales - check list often for updates!

2009-02-17T20:12:00.000-08:00

* St. Ann's Catholic Church team is having a yardsale Saturday, Feb. 28. (Correction... I had 21st earlier). The church is located at the intersection of 613 and 614, beside CVS Pharmacy.

* Paula Evans' Estabrook team is having a yard sale Feb. 28. She lives on Highway 613 just north of Super Sav. All teams are invited to come and participate. Must bring your own tables.

* Caswell Springs is having a yard sale March 6 and 7.

2009-02-17T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hurley Methodist Youth are looking for purses!
Stephanie Long with the Hurley UMC Youth Team needs purse donations for a purse sale coming up in March. Purses can be brought to the captains' meeting Thursday or call Donna Carpenter at 217-8070 to arrange for pickup.

2009-02-17T19:55:00.000-08:00

PLANT SALE

March 20 and 21 at Century Bank

Proceeds benefit Chi Hamilton's Friends of the Fight team.

More details to come!

Change of Location - Yard Sale

2009-02-13T07:54:00.000-08:00

Gary Crump with Huntin' For a Cure reports a change in location for the yard sale Saturday, Feb. 14. They're moving from Lum Cumbest Family Park to the East Central Community Center - no problem with rain there! It still starts at 7 a.m. and runs until noon or 1 o'clockish. Good news too - tables WILL be provided now! All teams are welcome to set up and sell to raise money for their own team.

Team Meeting - Feb. 19

2009-02-11T06:24:00.000-08:00

Team Meeting Reminder -

Thursday, Feb. 19

Hurley Church of Christ

Baria Road and Hwy. 614

Those going to the first grade program can come to the meeting at 5 p.m. to get supplies and information and make deposits.

We'll have fun games, team fellowship and good food... and lots of Relay information for our fabulous teams!

St. Patrick's Day Dance

2009-02-11T06:16:00.000-08:00

St. Patrick's Day Dance

sponsored by Huntin' For a Cure

for Grades 3, 4 and 5
6 to 9 p.m.
Friday, March 13
EC Community Center

Admission is $5

King and Queen will be crowned.

Don't forget your green!

2009-02-10T05:39:00.000-08:00

The East Central High School team is hoping to make Valentine's Day a little sweeter for some of the teachers and faculty there. On Friday, Feb. 13, they'll be offering delicious holiday treats to the highest bidders in a silent auction in the library.

2009-02-07T17:40:00.000-08:00

2009 East Central Relay for Life

4-Person Scramble

Golf Tournament
Benefiting the American Cancer Society
4th annual Relay for Life Tournament

Saturday March 21

at Whispering Pines in Hurley

Fees: $260 per team ( Includes food
and drinks)

8 a.m. Shotgun Start

Hole in One
Closest to pin

Longest Drive

Lots of door prizes to be awarded!

For Golfer info contact:

Charles Persons 216-3015

Donna Sampson 219-3972

or Sue Ellen McNabb 623-4941

For Donations and Contributions:
Donna Sampson 219-3972

Come join us for some great golf
for a great cause!!

Mail entry fee by 03/13/09 to
The American Cancer Society

P.O. Box 1204

Hurley, MS 39555

make checks payable to ACS

Correction - yard sale

2009-02-05T13:19:00.001-08:00

I need to add that the yard sale

Valentine's Day at Lum Cumbest Park

is for ALL TEAMS.

Huntin' For A Cure is hosting it

but EVERYONE is invited

to bring their stuff and set up.

Don't forget your tables!

It's Feb. 14 at 7 a.m.

2009-02-05T10:54:00.000-08:00

Join us for the
Friends of The Fight
2nd annual Wild Game Supper
Friday, March 6, at 7 p.m.
at Three Rivers Assembly of God Church 15910 Hwy 63 in Wade

Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for children 10 & under.

Only 160 tickets are available so hurry and get yours.
It was sold out last year!

Lots of door prizes will be given away and every child will get a door prize.

Team Captain Chi Hamilton says there will be more food than you can on one plate!

A gun will be raffled during the dinner - tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.

Contact a team member to get your advance dinner tickets.

For more information contact Chi @ 990-0074 chihamilton@bellsouth.net or Kristi Goff @ 217-1840 khgoff@yahoo.com.

Southern Belle 2009 Relay Shirts for sale

2009-02-05T09:11:00.001-08:00

"Southern Belles are erasing the colors of cancer...one relay at a time"

The Relay For Life committee are again selling special Relay T-shirts. They are $15.

ALL checks MUST be made payable to "EC Relay".

Colors available are
purple, lime green, bubblegum pink, lavender, tangerine, sunshine yellow, and cornflower blue.

Shirts are available at team meetings, at official Relay events, from Tonya Buxton (jbuxton@cableone.net) and at East Central High (see Donna Carpenter 217-8070)

Bake Sale - Century Bank team

2009-02-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

The Hurley and Escatawpa branches of Century Bank will be having a BAKE SALE on Thursday, Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tell all your hungry friends.... especially those with a sweet tooth!

Our Wonderful Teams

2009-02-05T07:08:00.000-08:00

We had a great team meeting on Jan. 29 with about 60 people there representing 24 of our 30 teams. (Still not too late to form a team - just call me for details... 217-8070)

We had $5,100 turned in to the bank that night! Great start teams!

Thanks to TnT Pizza and Sweet Expressions Bakery for their donations of food. Next time y'all better come hungry! We intend to keep you well-fed and happy at the meetings.

Our next meeting is Thursday, Feb. 19. It's important that you come to each of the meetings - all the information and team sharing is a big part of everyone's success.

Thanks to all of my team captains and team members. You all are off to a great Relay! - Donna Carpenter, Team Development chair

Kickoff in the news

2009-02-05T06:10:00.000-08:00

Last week, news of our kickoff was in the East Central Link (Thanks Cherie Chesser!) and today it's in The Mississippi Press. Here's the story, with some of the pictures I took. We had a blast! The East Central Players presented an original skit illuminating the facts about cancer in a thought-provoking, but funny way. Thanks to everyone for their hard work making the kickoff a success. And thanks to all the businessess and individuals who made donations - the food was awesome! - Donna H.

HURLEY – It was “Happy 25th Birthday” to Relay For Life so about 130 folks gathered Jan. 20 to celebrate the American Cancer Society to kickoff the East Central Relay’s fundraising season.

Last year, the community raised not only reached its goal of $75,000 in three months, it nearly doubled it, raising almost $130,000. For 2009, the ACS has set East Central Relay’s goal at $135,000.

The new goal at first worried Cherie Langley, who is chairing the event for her second year.

“I know the economy isn’t what it was a year ago, but when I shared that with my mother she said to me, ‘Cherie, you’re not selling magazines or cookie dough. You’re raising money for Relay. And EVERYONE has been touched in some way by cancer. Times may be hard, but we’re doing this for a good cause and people are going to give to support Relay.’”

After her mother’s encouragement, Cherie’s not worried anymore. “One thing I do know is that when this community comes together for a cause, we accomplish what we set out to do,” she said.

Guest speaker for the Relay kick-off was Mark Scott, a widower raising his 11-year-old son Bryce.

Mark shared with the audience how his wife, Juanelle, and their small son first discovered Relay for Life. It was 2001, and the Barton family went to the George County Relay and had a blast fellowshipping with friends and sharing in the excitement of food and fun. By November of that same year, Juanelle was diagnosed with cancer.

“She used to tell people ‘My life was perfect… and then I got cancer,’” he said.
Doctors gave her a year, then she went into remission “because of the wonderful research” this event raises, he said.

After six months in remission the cancer returned and she died in 2005.
And though Relay was one of Juanelle’s favorite things to do, Mark and his son don’t Relay just for her. “We do it for that person who may be in this room, who tomorrow may hear those words.. ‘You have cancer.’”

Mark encouraged the community to get more involved with Relay for Life because it makes a difference to those battling cancer now, and those who might someday get into the fight.

“You get out there and make it bigger this year than you did last year,” he urged. “If anybody can do it, it’s this group right here.”

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s national signature event. Each year, communities across the United States host these events to raise money with one goal in mind – eliminating cancer.

Relay is a fun, overnight event that mobilizes communities to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and fight back by raising money to find a cure.
But it’s not just about the money. “Relay for Life is as much an awareness-raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society,” Cherie said.

“Individuals who are willing to give their time and energy to this exciting event as a volunteer or participant have made a commitment to fight back against this disease and let the community know that we can beat cancer!” she said.

There’s room for more teams and more volunteers. “We encourage families, churches, businesses and other community organizations to establish teams that will compete with each other to see who can raise the most money and of course, have the most fun,” she said.

Raffle - Zachry's Valentine Basket

2009-02-05T04:45:00.000-08:00

The Zachry's team will be awarding a Valentine's Day gift basket to one lucky winner. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Winner announced Feb. 12.

More details to come!

Raffle - Join the Fight's Baseball Tribute

2009-02-05T04:36:00.000-08:00

Members of the "Join the Fight" team are selling raffle tickets to win a framed tribute to the East Central High School baseball team celebrating their win of the 2008 4-A varsity baseball state championship.

Tickets are $5 each and tax deductible. The drawing will be April 24 at the EC Relay for Life.

The plaque, which includes a signed baseball and the original news article, is on display at the East Central Link office.

For more information call Jack or Linda Nobles at 588-9466.

Fundraising Opportunity - Hurley Old Fashion Day

2009-02-03T07:58:00.001-08:00

Old Fashion Day is earlier this year and Relay teams can use that to their fund-raising advantage. Why not rent a booth space and make some money for your team? Food, games, stuff for sale - pick one or all three!

The event, sponsored by the East Central Civic Association, is Saturday, March 14, at Lum Cumbest Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

15x15 booth spaces are $40, or $45 for electricity. The ECCA is expecting about 175 booths. Crowds are expected to be between 2,000 to 2,500.

To reserve a booth call Karen at ECCA at 588-0511 or email karenecca@yahoo.com.

Dance Royalty - Huntin' For a Cure

2009-02-03T05:53:00.000-08:00

The Mardi Gras dance this past weekend was a huge hit. Huntin' For a Cure captain Gary Crump reports that the kids had a great time. The highlight of the night was the crowning of the king and queen.

(How cute are the girls with their fingers crossed and double-crossed waiting to hear their name called out?)

Honors this year go to King Reed Clayton and Queen Raven Stampley.

Yard Sale - Huntin' For a Cure

2009-02-03T05:19:00.000-08:00

The Huntin' For a Cure team is having a yard sale Feb. 14 at Lum Cumbest Park in Hurley. Be there by 7 a.m. for the first to see what's up for grabs!

CORRECTION: It's not just for the Huntin' team either. ALL TEAMS are invited to come set up and make some money for their team - the more the merrier!
.

Racing For A Cure fundraiser

2009-02-02T04:42:00.000-08:00

Feel free to copy the information below and email to all your friends!

Racing for a Cure presents
the 1st annual Relay For Life Kart Race
Stateline, Miss - Checker Flag Speedway
Saturday, Feb 7, 2009
Gates open at 7 a.m.

Practice Friday, Feb. 6 - $5 gate fee per person. Gates open at 4 p.m. Practice 5-10 p.m.

Classes
Rookie 250# - Blue LHV Motor and 14/67 Gear
Purple Plate 265#
Blue Plate 275#
Gold Plate 300#
Stock Lite 325#
Stock Medium 350#
Stock Heavy 375#
Animal - (Weight TBA)
Jr. Sportsman Champ Purple 300#
Jr. Sportsman Champ Blue 300#
Sr. Champ 410#
Jr. Champ Crate 360# (ages 13-17)
Sr. Champ Crates 390# - Blue or yellow OHV motor (weight TBA)
Super Heavy 400# - Driver must weigh 200#

Rookie Class will receive participation trophies
All other classes $200 Cash Prize for 1st Place (Guaranteed) Trophies for winners

Kart Entry Fees
$15 registration fee for Rookie Class and a $5 transponder fee
$35 registration fee for all classes and a $5 transponder fee

Race Day
There will be 50 reserved parking spaces, only $10 per space. All other parking free and first come first serve.
Gates open at 7 a.m.
Open practice at 9 a.m., control practice at 10 a.m.
Qualifying at 12 noon
Racing starts at 2 p.m.
$10 gate fee day of race (ages 5 and under free unless they're racing)

**We will follow Gulf Coast Motor Sports Park's Rules**
www.gulfcoastmotorsportspark.com

Call Kenny Ballard at 228-588-6064 or 228-218-0424 for reserved parking or questions

Photos of the 2008 Relay

2008-04-28T05:16:00.000-07:00

Please enjoy these photos from the 2008 Relay For Life event held Friday, April 25, at the H.D. Shirley Stadium at East Central High School. This was the most-attended Relay we've had yet - great turnout! Every where you looked families were laughing, playing, eating and visiting.

We CELEBRATED our wonderful, inspiring cancer survivors;
we REMEMBERED those who have died from this horrible disease;
and we made a huge effort to FIGHT BACK to find a cure!

Together we blew past our goal of $75,000 to raise $115,900 for the American Cancer Society!

That number will continue to grow over the next few weeks as the last of the contributions and donations trickle in.

We can't thank everyone enough for all their hard work and their generosity. You are all amazing!

IF YOU'D LIKE A COPY OF ANY OF THESE PHOTOS, JUST RIGHT-CLICK THE IMAGE AND SAVE-AS TO YOUR OWN COMPUTER.

See You Next Year!!!!!

"Fight Back" with Pie!

2008-04-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back! The ECHS Team scored Wednesday with a messy little fundraiser during break at the high school. Here's a picture of teachers Bo Long, Patti Crane, Robert McGee and Randy Brown after getting smacked with a pie (OK, technically chocolate pudding on a plate, but we're not keeping score here.) The teacher targets all get an A+ for attitude! Way to step up and take one for the team.

Weather report for the weekend looks good!

2008-04-22T13:21:00.001-07:00

Friday
Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s.

Friday Night
Partly cloudy. Lows around 60.

Saturday
Partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms. Highs around 80.

Last chance for Mother's Day Gift Basket

2008-04-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

Sales are good for Scrabble For A Cure's Mother's Day Basket to be given away the night of Relay. Tickets will be available at their team's tent, too.

The value of the basket has increased from $300 to $500. For tickets call Jack or Linda at 588-9466. Just $1 each or 6 for $5.

Relay in The East Central Link

2008-04-19T06:58:00.001-07:00

Get your copy of The East Central Link this week to read about our awesome Survivors' Banquet. You can find them at area stores for 25 cents. And check out the next issue for news of the ECHS assembly.

Relay in Sun Herald

2008-04-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

Posted on Sat, Apr. 19, 2008
School raising $10K

By JAY HUGHES
SUN HERALD

HURLEY -- Students at East Central High School in Hurley got a sobering reminder Friday of why they have spent months engaged in fundraising activities for cancer awareness and research.

During an assembly, the 800 students in grades 9-12 heard testimony from Mark Scott, who lost his wife, Juanelle, to cancer. Since January, the school has been raising money for East Central Relay for Life benefitting the American Cancer Society and is closing in on its goal of raising $10,000 through the school alone.

Scott also recognized two teachers and an elementary student who are cancer survivors, and 5-year-old Jadyn Cripps, a kindergartner at East Central Lower Elementary who raised $250 on her own for EC Relay for Life.

Donna Carpenter, a special education teacher who leads the group of 42 faculty and students spearheading the school's drive, said some students - especially those who have lost loved ones to cancer - were tearful afterward.

"It really did bring it home for a lot of them. It was very touching," she said. "There were laughs and lots of tears."

The assembly was a poignant counterpoint to some events held to raise the money. The student body has been rewarded for reaching various donation benchmarks by seeing an assistant principal dye his hair and goatee purple, following that up with an appearance in a red dress, and a coach making an appearance in a pink mini-skirt. On a more serious note, students also had the chance to buy "Stars and Moons" in memory of cancer victims and survivors.

Cherie Persons Langley, chair of EC Relay for Life, said the high school would become one of very few to reach "Platinum" status by reaching or exceeding its goal by April 25.

"This has all been done within the high school. That's a huge success, and we're just so proud of them," she said.

April 25 is the date of the Relay for Life, a community festival held at the high school's football field and Langley said the overall EC Relay for Life drive should surpass its $75,000 goal.

Among entertainment expected at the festival is a final nod toward embarrassing high school faculty, some members of which have broken up into mock musical groups specifically Motley Crue, The Beach Boys, The Spice Girls and Kenny and Dolly. Langley said the "band" that gets the most votes in the form of student-donated dollars will take the stage to perform in full regalia, and all could be forced onstage if the school raises more than $10,000.

Relay on Mississippi Press front page

2008-04-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

ECH nears lofty cancer fundraising goal
Saturday, April 19, 2008

By LINDSAY MOTT
The Mississippi Press

The 800 East Central High School students spread across the gymnasium yelled "Celebrate! Remember! Fight Back!" back and forth to each other to close the ceremony celebrating the school's nearing its $10,000 goal for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

According to Donna Carpenter, captain of the high school team, the students are only about $1,800 short of their goal. With one more week of fundraising and the relay event itself, everyone involved was confident that the school would meet its goal. Carpenter said that all the money has been raised "in-house."

"Every dime has been brought in by faculty and students," she said. Students can ask their friends and family to donate, but the school has not done a community-wide fundraiser.

Friday morning's event opened with a skit performed by students showing a father breaking the news that he has cancer to his family. There was a video showing cancer survivors and scenes from different relays.

EC Relay for Life Chairperson Cherie Langley praised the students for the money that had already been raised and encouraged them to complete the goal. She said that they are only one of a few platinum-level schools, which signifies reaching the $10,000 mark. She told them that the one school in Mississippi that has reached $14,000 is "at least three times as big." She also recognized two students who had given large amounts.

Guest speaker Mark Scott then talked to the students. Scott has been involved in spreading the word about early cancer detection since his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 and then died from it in 2005. According to Scott, after being diagnosed, "one of her crusades was early detection. We keep that going. This is what we do as a family."

He gave a number of statistics to the students to give them examples of the numbers of people affected by cancer. He recognized three cancer survivors in the school.

Scott also recognized 6-year-old Jadyn Cripps, who raised $300 by asking friends and family for donations and selling cookies and brownies in "her mimi's restaurant, Aunt Nita's, in Pascagoula," according to her mother, Candi Cripps. Her class at East Central Lower Elementary is raising money as well, but Candi said Jadyn made it her mission to raise this amount of money. In Jadyn's words, she raised the money "to fight cancer."

Scott then urged the students to "know your bodies" and be on the lookout for anything different.

"The fact is, with cancer, if you catch it early it's almost always curable, but if you catch if late, it's almost never curable. It's all about being proactive. Err on the side of caution," he said.
Scott said people have told him they started self-exams that saved their lives after hearing him speak. "That's a happy ending to a tragedy," Scott said.

Next, a teacher dressed as a member of the band Motley Crue gave a preview performance. In an effort to raise money, teachers at East Central will dress as different musicians with the winner to perform at the Relay for Life event.

Students vote for the band they want to see by donating money to the specific bands, Spice Girls, Motley Crue, The Beach Boys and Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Spice Girls is winning so far. If the school reaches its goal before next Friday's event, all the bands will perform.

To close the event, the school's cheerleaders prompted the different sides to yell, "Celebrate -- Remember -- Fight Back."

Principal Jim Hughey is happy with the support his students have shown for this cause.
"I am thrilled to death. Whenever I was first approached with the idea, I had no idea the support would be as it is. You start talking about $10,000, and that is a lot of money for high school students to raise," he said.

He credited the amount of support to the fact that many of the students have been affected by cancer in some way.

"Whether it be a friend or a family member or just knowing someone who has cancer. ... To be as young as they are, they really do have a grasp on what reality is, ... I think that's what has really led to the overwhelming support of our students," Hughey said.

East Central's event will be from 5:15 p.m. Friday until about 6 a.m. Saturday. The relay will take place at the H.D. Shirley Stadium at East Central High School on Miss 614 in Hurley.

Reporter Lindsay Mott can be reached at lmott@themississippipress.com or 228-934-1435.

ECHS Team on WLOX

2008-04-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

To make a donation to help the ECHS Team reach their $10,000 goal, send a check to:
EC Relay For Life
c/o ECHS Team
P.O. Box 1204
Hurley, Miss. 39555
Please designate on your check that the donation is for the ECHS Team.

Check back here soon for video of the 5 o'clock and 10 0'clock newscasts, or Click here to see the WLOX report with Keli Rabon (the 10 o'clock segment) about East Central High School's team.

Assembly at ECHS

2008-04-18T09:52:00.001-07:00

The first-ever Relay For Life program presented at East Central High School during an assembly of the student body was a huge success April 18.

The ECHS Hornet shares part of the Relay For Life message: Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back!
ECHS junior Brooke Johnson makes a contribution to the hear her favorite teacher band.

East Central High School has a chance to become the one of just a few platinum high school Relay For Life teams in the state by raising $10,000 for the American Cancer Society. This is amazing considering there are only 42 teachers and students on the team.

Currently, four cover bands have emerged from the classrooms – Motley Crue, The Beach Boys, The Spice Girls and Kenny and Dolly are competing for a headliner spot on the entertainment stage at the Relay For Life event April 25. The “group” who gets the most votes performs. (Votes = donations by students)

On Friday the students heard from Mark Scott, whose wife's dying wish was for him to promote early detection. He introduced a child who faced cancer and became a survivor, a teacher bald from chemo with an amazing story of recovery and a High School coach who has been a survivor for four years!

Here's some photos of the event. Check back for some video footage, which will be posted soon as well as video from WLOX.

Check WLOX April 18 at 5, 6 and 10 p.m., the Mississippi Press and Sun Herald on Saturday and the next issue of the EC Link for more coverage of the assembly.

Principal James Hughey talks to WLOX reporter Keli Rabon about how proud he is of the students and the Relay team for all their donations and support.
Relay Chairperson Cherie Persons Langley, Coach Robert McGee and ECHS team captain Donna Carpenter. Coach McGee entertained the crowd with his best Motley Crue moves.

The East Central High School Drama Class, directed by Kristal Sisson, performed a moving skit: a family having dinner preparing for a vacation hears the news from the dad - his tests came back positive and he has cancer. An emotional video followed.

Cherie Langley talks to the students about Relay For Life.Mark Scott shares his wife's story and how early detection can save lives.

Mississippi Press interviews Mark Scott before the assembly.

EC Relay on TV (again!)

2008-04-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

If you missed Glenda Walker on television Tuesday you can catch it again on CableOne Channel 7 at 5:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Friday. If you don't have cable, but you do have high-speed internet, go to www.wkfk.com at those times and watch it on streaming video on your computer.

For those with neither, here's a few of the highlights:

What is a Relay?

What's planned for the East Central Relay?

About the Golf Tournament:

About the luminaria:

Southern Belle t-shirts for sale

2008-04-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

Designed exclusively for the East Central Relay For Life, the shirts display our theme on the back in wild, vivid color: "Life is worth fighting for; Cancer is not a game!"
Shirts are only $16 and come in Adult S, M, L, XL and 2XL and Youth S, M and L.

To order a shirt, leave your name, phone number, size and quantity in the comment section below and we'll get in touch with you as soon as possible.

School of Rock

2008-04-10T13:18:00.001-07:00

East Central High School could become the first ever Platinum school Relay team in Mississippi if they raise$10,000.

To help earn the last $3,000 that they need to make that goal, several EC teachers are trading readin' and writin' for rock 'n' roll!

If they raise the whole $3,000, all four groups will perform at the Relay.

If they raise the money by April 25th, the day of the Relay, all students will have a JEAN DAY!

Students can vote for their favorite group by placing change in the appropriate jar at break:

“Motley Crue” (Coach Magee, Coach Harvey, Coach CK and Coach Stallings.)

“The Spice Girls” (Mrs. Butler, Mrs. Bishop, Mrs. Denise Tucker, Mrs. Goff and Mrs. Brochard)

"Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton" (Judy McDougall and Marty Floyd)

The “Beach Boys” (Mr. Edwards, Coach Tucker, Coach Kyle Long, Coach Knight and Coach Rogers)

Survivors' Banquet photos

2008-04-09T15:23:00.001-07:00

To save a photograph to your own computer, right-click it and choose "save as."

Best friends Gina Carpenter and Charmaine Davidson take a moment to relax between the end of the banquet and the beginning of the cleanup.

Cancer survivors display their handprints and autographs on a banner that will be hung on the fence at the Relay April 25.

Mae Pait pants her print purple for the Survivor banner.

Committee volunteer Terri Noble gets a hug from the Rev. Bill Barton.

4 tiers of cupcakes with purple accents - wow! Wonder if they were calorie-free?

Vocalist Kristen Vernon provides the entertainment for the evening.

Relay Chairperson Cherie Langley laughs at a joke by ACS rep Dennis Warren during the Survivors' Banquet.

Tonya Buxton and her merry band of volunteers filled the East Central Community Center with magic for the Survivors' Banquet.

Anna Grace feeds cake to Minnie Mouse. Her mom, Stephanie Crump, is a volunteer on the Relay committee.

Glenda Walker gets information from Gary Ashcraft for a luminaria bag. Luminaria will line the track at Relay and will be used for a special message during the slideshow presentation. Bags are $10 each and can be decorated “In Memory” or “In Honor” of loved ones.

Donna Sampson calls out names for door prizes. Junior Miss Samantha Wells stayed busy matching door prizes with survivors.

Junior Miss Samantha Wells gives a door prize to cancer survivor Charles Persons.

Queen Joette Kuhn and King George Glaskox were crowned at the Survivors’ Banquet. They’ll lead the survivors’ lap at the Relay event April 25.

Lillian Dungan adds her purple handprint to the survivors' banner. The banner will be displayed at the Relay.

Guests enjoy a selection of homemade goodies at the Survivors’ Banquet. Members of the Relay committee make the food themselves to make it extra special for the survivors and their caregivers.

Caiden Nichelson enjoys his door prize from the Survivors’ Banquet. Every survivor at the event receives a doorprize donated by members of the Relay committee and area businesses and individuals.

Rev. Bill Barton talks to cancer survivor Charles Persons. Bro. Bill gave the invocation at the Survivors’ Banquet.

Exclusively designed for the EC Relay, the Southern Belle shirts display the Relay theme in vivid color: “Life is worth fighting for; Cancer is not a game.” The shirts will be sold at the Relay for $16 each.

Charmaine and Donna on WKFK

2008-04-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

You can see Charmaine and Donna again Friday at 5:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on WKFK Channel 7. If you don't have CableOne you can go to the station's web site at that time and see it on streaming video. It's on http://www.wkfk.com/. Just go to the web site and scroll down just a bit. You'll see the spot to click to get the video. This will probabaly only work if you have a fast internet connection.

Tell everyone you know about April 25

2008-03-31T12:28:00.000-07:00

EC Relay on TV and radio

2008-03-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

Charmaine Davidson and Donna Harris represented the EC Relay committee Monday on WKFK Channel 7 and on WPMP AM 1580. The radio was live, but the tv show was taped. The Bacot/McCarty Show will air Tuesday and Friday at 5:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Go to www.wkfk.com for streaming video of the show when it airs (great feature if you don't have CableOne).

Plant sale continues Saturday

2008-03-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

Jewell Claire Hamilton shows one of the $10 ribbons for sale for business doors and residential mailboxes to Paint Hurley Purple to honor cancer survivors.

The Friends of the Fight's plant sale is continuing Saturday from 8-5 next to Century Bank in Hurley.

Awesome deals on shrubs, azaleas, bedding plant, blooming plants, and hanging baskets.

Get your purple ribbon for the Paint Hurley Purple Campaign on April 1st. Bows are $10 and are to be displayed on their front doors or mailboxes during the month of April in support of Relay for Life and Survivors. Smaller bows for car antennas for $5.

Help us HONOR our survivors by Painting Hurley Purple.
For orders or more info contact Chi Hamilton @990-0074 or 588-2944 or Kristi Goff @ 217-1840 or 588-9079.

From left below is Friends of the Fight members Rhonda Porter, Laura Whittington, Chi Hamilton, Theresa Hamilton and Kristie Goff with Jewell Claire Hamilton.

Car Wash April 5

2008-03-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Car Wash!

Hosted by Wade Baptist Relay for Life Team

Saturday, April 5th
9am-4pm

Southern Lube in Hurley

Donations Accepted!!

Benefiting the American Cancer Society

Mother's Day Basket Raffle

2008-03-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Scrabble for a Cure is selling chances

on a Mother's Day Gift Basket ($300 value)

to be given away the night of the Relay.

Call Jack or Linda Nobles at 588-9466

for tickets.

Just $1 each or 6 for $5.

RELAY FOR LIFE
MOTHER’S DAY GIFT BASKET
$300 VALUE

Circle E Candle
Better Homes & Garden "Celebrating the Promise Limited Edition Cookbook"
1 year subscription to Mississippi Magazine
Bath & Body Weekend Bag
Breast Cancer Ribbon Pin
Breast Cancer Mouse Pad
OPI Nail Polish
Family Platter
Mary Kay Products
Pampered Chef
Watkins Products
Organizer
What It Means To Be Southern book
Restaurant Gift Certificates
Cut & Style @ Parisian Styling Salon with Donna Blythe
Manicure @ Head 2 Toe
Mother’s Day coffee mug

Paint it Purple, Grow it Green

2008-03-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

From Chi Hamilton:

The Friends of the Fight team will be holding our 1st annual plant sale on Friday from 9-5 and Saturday from 8-5. It will be next to Century Bank in Hurley.

There will be all types of shrubs, azaleas, bedding plant, blooming plants, and hanging baskets.

We will also kick off our Paint Hurley Purple Campaign on April 1st. We are hoping that all businesses and residents will purchase a purple bow from our team for $10 to be displayed on their front doors or mailboxes during the month of April in support of Relay for Life and Survivors.

The bows are being made by Four Seasons Florist.

One of our team members will deliver the bows to the homes and businesses.

We will also be making smaller bows for car antennas for $5. Help us HONOR our survivors by Painting Hurley Purple.

For orders or more info contact Chi Hamilton @990-0074 or 588-2944 or Kristi Goff @ 217-1840 or 588-9079.

Survivor Celebration Invitation

2008-03-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Dear Cancer Survivor:

The EC Relay For Life wants you as our special guest at the 3rd annual Survivor Celebration. Caregivers and spouses are welcome, too! It’s Tuesday, April 8, beginning at 6 p.m. at the EC Community Center.

We will have light refreshments and a drawing for King and Queen. You’ll also receive your Survivor T-Shirt at the banquet.

If you have not turned in a photograph, please bring it the night of the Celebration. Make sure your name is on the back of it.

Mark Friday, April 25, on your calendar so you won’t miss the Cancer Survivors’ Lap that officially begins the Relay event. We want you to take center stage for this special lap. Survivors can start signing in at 5:30 p.m. Golf carts will be available for those who may need assistance.

Please make plans to stay throughout the night and enjoy the various activities planned for everyone.

Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.

Hugs,
Charmaine
588-2860 or 623-1966

FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS - Meeting Thursday

2008-03-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

FROM CHERIE:

Our next committee meeting will be this Thursday night (March 27) 6pm at Century Bank.

As we are quickly moving into the final weeks before our Relay, it is so very important that our communication is strong among our committee! Please come prepared to give a report on your progress and any needs you may have!

Also, PLEASE remember to bring any door prize items you have collected to our meeting Thursday. (NOTE FROM DONNA H. --- IF YOU CAN PUT THEM IN GIFT BAGS, CHARMAINE DAVIDSON WILL GIVE YOU A BIG HUG AT THE MEETING.)

Things to discuss:
Committee reports
Golf tournament
Survivor Banquet

Our new ACS Partner Kelley Strycharz will be attending Thursday’s meeting and is very anxious to meet and begin working with each of you!

Please remember that I am here for you if you need me! Feel free to email or call my home or cell anytime! I want to see this Relay be an AWESOME success…and thanks again, a million times and more, for everything you are doing to see that happen!

See you all Thursday night!

Cherie

Great magazine article

2008-03-24T03:07:00.000-07:00

The April 15, 2008 issue of Woman's Day has a wonderful article about "Your Anti-Cancer Action Plan". It captures the essence of the FIGHT BACK message and has some great information.

The article talks about how lung and breast cancer rates are stabilizing, but that there seems to be a rise in skin, thyroid and kidney cancers, possibly due to obesity. The article goes on to explain by making some lifestyle changes we can have a major impact on our chances of developing cancer.

One of the parts of the article that I particularly liked was the "Eat to Beat Cancer" segment. It highlights foods that we can eat as part of our regular diet to help protect against a variety of cancers.

The article also highlights some individuals who have battled cancer and actions that they have taken. It ends with the screening tests that save lives. There is even a blurb about ACS CAN and how cancer affects the uninsured and underinsured.

Cancer Education Signs

2008-03-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

Cherie just passed on this note from Kelley Strycharz, our ACS Relay rep:

"Please make sure that we stress the importance of the selling of the Cancer Education signs. This is the easiest way for a company or individual to show support for the ACS. I need to remind everyone that these signs do have to be ordered so the deadline for the forms and money to be turned in is 2 weeks prior to your Relay. Please make sure that all of you teams know that they should be out there asking your community for support by purchasing a Cancer Education sign, this is great affordable advertising for companies too."

There's a link on the right to email me for a sign form if you need one.

Relay just around the corner - are you ready?

Donna H.
Relay PR chick

Going for $10,000!

2008-03-07T13:12:00.000-08:00

This from Donna Carpenter, team captain of the ECHS Staff and Student Team:

Our new goal is $10,000. We are currently at $6,800!

WOW! The Moons and Stars Contest has been Fantastic! The grand raised through sales of moons and stars is $3,665.
Coming in 1st is Tony Akins class with $1,000 raised.

2nd is Coach Robert Magee's class with $866, 3rd is Coach Charlie Stalling’s with $442, 4th is Barbara Taylor’s class with $272, 5th is Michelle Goff’s class with $259 and 6th Place is Joyce Tucker’s class with $230. 1st and 2nd place winners will have a breakfast on Friday March 28th. The other four classes will also receive a prize.

Thank you all for you outstanding work and for those who truly gave from the heart."

Photos: The new goal, Coach Magee with his class' stars and moons, Tony Akins' display of moons and stars.

Men's Softball Tournament

2008-03-04T13:28:00.000-08:00

"Hunting for a Cure" is sponsoring a Men's Softball tournament to raise money for Relay For Life. The tournament will be April 5th at the Lum Cumbest Adult Sports Complex.

Entry fee is $175. All teams are welcome!

For more information please call Kim Perry at 327-0891 or Kenny Mack 326-9560

Croppin' For A Cure

2008-02-27T15:12:00.000-08:00

From the Caswell Springs Relay Team:

Join us at Caswell Springs United Methodist Church for a day of friends, fellowship, and fun! Come scrap, stamp, make cards, and have a great day with us!

Large scrapping area for each participant! We'll have a Sizzix machine and dies, punches, and other tools for your use. We're planning a great day! Spread the word! We all look for a good excuse to get together and scrap and what a wonderful cause we will be supporting! Hope to see you and a friend or two there!

We'll have lunch, snacks, door prizes, a silent auction, and a scrap yard sale.
Clean out your paper crafting supplies and bring your unwanted items to donate for a scrap yard sale.

All proceeds from the scrap yard sale will benefit Relay for Life.

WHERE: CSUMC Family Ministry Building
WHEN: Saturday, April 5, 2008
TIME: 10 am - 4 pm
COST: $25.00 (includes your lunch)

RSVP Before April 3, 2008!

Call Wendy Hadley at 588-9497 or 218-9414; hadleyhouse2@yahoo.com
or
Gay Rudolf at 588-6842 or 219-3589; rud1949@aol.com

***Please note that all proceeds will benefit Relay for Life.***

Caswell Springs United Methodist Church
18601 Highway 63
Wade, MS
228-588-6546

3rd annual golf tournament set

2008-02-26T21:12:00.000-08:00

2008 Relay for Life Golf Tournament
Benefiting the American Cancer Society
3rd Annual Relay for Life Tournament
Saturday, April 12, 2008 8 a.m.
Whispering Pines Golf Course
18412 Hwy 613, Hurley, 588-6111
The tournament will be played on the Whispering Pines Golf Course in the East Central Community of Jackson County. For general information about the tournament, contact Paul Hull 588-0565/935-4892, Jackie Grimes 219-1993 or Charles Persons 216-3015/696-8825.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for corporations interested in supporting the tournament. For donations/contributions to the tournament contact Donna Sampson 588-3972/219-3972.

Proximity Awards include Closest pin, longest drive, Hole-in-One (Walt Massey Chev)

Entry Fee: Entry fee $260 per team. 4 person teams. Limited to first 30 to register and pay entry fee.

Drinks and snacks will be provided. Door Prizes.
Shotgun Start, Mulligans and shot per team from ladies tee for sale, 50/50 raffle.

Sponsorship Fee: $500 Platinum ( includes team entry fee, Marker, 2 mulligans and Acknowledgment of Support )

$200 Gold (Marker and Acknowledgement )

$100 Silver ( Acknowledgement of Support).

Entry forms available from Paul.Hull@ngc.com

Checks should be made payable to American Cancer Society. Entries due by April 7. Registration closed after 30 teams have registered and paid.

Committee meeting March 3

2008-02-26T21:08:00.000-08:00

Committee meeting Monday, March 3, at 6 p.m. at Century Bank to give updates on where your committee is in the planning process for the big night! Only three meetings until the Relay event.

Chick-Fil-A lunches delivered free!

2008-02-26T20:31:00.000-08:00

Caswell Springs UMC will be delivering Chick-Fil-A Bag Lunches on Thursday, March 13. The lunches are $6 and include a Chick-fil-a sandwich, a brownie, chips, condiments and a coupon for a free chick-fil-a sandwich. Deadline to order is Sunday March 9. If interested please call (228) 990-5164.

WARNING - Not a pretty (in pink) sight ahead

2008-02-26T19:48:00.000-08:00

Students at East Central High raised another $1,000 for the ECHS Staff Relay Team bringing their total to $3,000 - and to celebrate the feat, Girls Soccer Coach Ryan Ceccorulli donned a pink ball gown with matching "pumps" and paraded around the school. Because there are no other male teachers or administrators at the school who can top this look or Marty Floyd's black ensemble last week, the EC Staff Team is graciously moving on to other rewards for $1,000 milestones. What's in store for $4,000? Stay tuned!

Team Meeting Tuesday

2008-02-24T09:15:00.000-08:00

The next team meeting is 6 p.m. Tuesday at the EC Community Center. It's very important that your team be represented at this meeting since we only have two more after this one before the BIG EVENT!

At this meeting we'll need the following:
* team name
* team goal
* team registration forms and fees (remember to make a copy for yourself of each form)
* activities planned for Relay night (this will be a "first-to-turn-in" gets it)
* any money to be turned in (no cash, coins rolled, form completely filled out)

If you need anything like moons and suns, forms, jean day stickers or whatever, let Rana as soon as possible before the meeting so she can have it there. She'll be giving out luminaria forms Tuesday also.

Looking forward to 100 percent team participation Tuesday!

Doughnuts and men

2008-02-21T12:39:00.000-08:00

The Friends of the Fight are at it again. Their apple fundraiser brought in over $1,000, now they're tempting us with Krispy Kreme doughnuts. For just $5, you will get a coupon for a dozen doughnuts AND it gives you $2 off a second dozen.

The Friends team is also hosting a Wild Game Supper on Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m. at Three Rivers Assembly of God Church. Tickets are $15 for men and $5 for boys 10 and younger. Advance tickets only.

They are also giving away a 45/70 rifle that night so make sure you take a chance or 12 on it. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. You don't have to be present to win (and don't forget Father's Day is coming up soon!)

For doughnut coupons, supper tickets or raffle tickets call team captain Chi Hamilton at 588-2944 or 990-0074.

Look at those legs!

2008-02-19T10:25:00.000-08:00

ECHS Assistant Principal Marty Floyd is a man of his word. He promised he'd wear a dress if the EC Staff Relay Team raised $2,000 for Relay For Life. They did so he did! Last week he dyed his hair and goatee purple when they raised $1,000.

We wonder what he'll do when the team hits their goal of $5,000. I just hope it doesn't involve a thong bikini!

Photos: Marty Floyd in a dress; Mr. Floyd with 9th-grader Lauren Eddins who raised $110 by asking guests at her birthday party to make donations to Relay For Life instead of giving gifts to her.

Committee shirts and meeting time

2008-02-19T07:07:00.000-08:00

The committee will meet Monday, March 3, somewhere and some time. Cherie will email committee members with the details when she gets a time and location confirmed. But please mark March 3 on your calendars - Relay is just two months away so every meeting is super important!

Also, Dennis needs tshirt sizes for committee shirts, so email Cherie with sizes by Friday please. Her email is cherie@ssolutions.biz.

Thanks,
Donna H.
PR chick

"Treasures in the Attic" fundraiser

2008-02-19T06:13:00.000-08:00

--- Deadline to register for photo shoot is Wednesday, Feb. 20 ---

Caswell Springs United Methodist Church's Relay team is offering "Treasures in the Attic" photography as a fundraiser. The antique-looking photographs will be taken Friday, Feb. 29, and Saturday, March 1, at the church on Hwy. 63 near Cumbest Bluff. For $9.95 you receive 1 8x10, 2 5x7s and 8 wallets in your Relay package, but you can purchase other photos if you'd like. All of the proceeds benefit the Caswell Springs UMC Relay team.

To register by Wednesday, contact:
Stephanie S. Crump
Navigator Credit Union
Moss Point Branch Manager
228.474.3425
sscrump@navigatorcu.org

ECHS raises $1,000

2008-02-12T13:02:00.000-08:00

The ECHS Staff (and Students) Team reached their first goal of $1,000 so Asst. Principal Marty Floyd will be sporting purple hair and a goatee Wednesday, Feb. 13. Now they need another $1,000 to get him in a dress! Way to go team!

Birthday Girl Gives To Relay

2008-02-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

For Lauren Eddins' 15th birthday she didn't want gifts for herself - she asked for donations to her Relay For Life team. The 9th-grader raised $110 for the ECHS Staff team.
"We are proud of her giving heart," said Team Captain Donna Carpenter.

The ECHS Staff Team became so popular that they opened it up to students as well. "We want to form a close bond with the students by working on this together," Mrs. Carpenter said.

The team has raised $650 so far. When they reach $1,000 Asst. Principal Marty Floyd is dying his hair and goatee purple. At $2,000, he promises to wear a dress to school. They have a competition going on between grades to raise the most money and the grade that raises the most will get to choose what Mr. Floyd does next.

Photo from 2007 Relay For Life event: Katie Carpenter, left, and Lauren Eddins having fun on their Girl Scout team.

Huntin' For A Cure plans Leap Day Dance

2008-02-11T11:52:00.000-08:00

Welcome Team Captain Kymberly Perry and her team Huntin' For A Cure.

The team consists of about 25 friends and family members committed to fighting cancer. They're planning a lot of cool fundraisers including a dance at the East Central Community Center from 6 to 10 p.m. on Feb. 29 for grades 3, 4 and 5. HEY KIDS - Wear your fave CAMO clothes for the dance so you can help with the "Huntin' For A Cure!"

They're also selling tshirts with their team logo and bracelets, and they sponsored a chili dog sale at Kymberly's workplace. Yum! Must be nice to work with Kymberly!

Huntin' For A Cure sounds like they're on their way to being a top fund-raiser. "We are very excited about April 25th and everyone is working hard!" said Kymberly.

Attention Team Captains - HELP!

2008-02-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

Please contact me and let me know about your fundraisers so we can give you publicity! The more people who know what you're doing, the more money you'll make for your team. Email me at magnoliareporter@aol.com.
Thanks -
Donna H.

Lessez le bon temp roulez!

2008-02-05T11:20:00.000-08:00

No wonder they call it Fat Tuesday with all those moon pies flyin' around!

Have a SAFE and HAPPY Mardi Gras holiday!

Floyd may go purple for Relay

2008-01-31T03:34:00.000-08:00

ECHS assistant principal Marty Floyd has issued a challenge to the students. Raise $500 and he'll dye his hair purple!

The contest is sponsored by the ECHS Staff Relay Team as one of their fun fund-raisers for Relay For Life.

We're not sure what shade Mr. Floyd will choose, but we're guessing that when the kids raise the dough, he'll look a little like this. --->

(Wonder if they raise $1,000 would he dye the mustache and goatee too?)

Valentine Apples - Free Delivery

2008-01-29T16:10:00.000-08:00

According to Team Captain Chi Hamilton, the "Friends of the Fight" Relay For Life team are taking orders for big ol' apples covered in caramel, chocolate and pecans* for just $10! Wonder if you can pay extra to hold the calories?

They'll even deliver them tied up all pretty with a bow and a Valentine's card. You can discuss delivery when you call, but Chi said they'll deliver free "anywhere within reason" like from Lucedale to Pascagoula. Not a bad deal!

Apples will be delivered on Wednesday, Feb. 13.

To order call Chi at 588-2944 or 990-0074 by Feb. 8.

The Friends of the Fight are members of the Hamilton family and some of their friends from Three Rivers Assembly of God Church. They'll also have a booth at Hurley Old Fashion Day so make sure to look for them.

* Apple ordered may not look like the picture shown - that's just to make you hungry so you'll order one for yourself, too! Afterall, it's all going to Relay For Life for the American Cancer Society, so order extras!

Get your team's fundraiser listed here - just email information to MagnoliaReporter@aol.com.

Fundraising Opportunity for Teams

2008-01-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

Booths are available for the Hurley Old Fashion Day Festival, which will be Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The East Central Civic Association listened to the vendors and this year are offering larger spaces for the same price. You can get a 15x15 without electricity for $40 or get electrical hook-up for just $5 more. Deadline to register is March 7.

Every year, more and more Relay teams take advantage of the Old Fashion Day for fundraising opportunities and promotion. More than 6,000 people visited the festival last year and the ECCA sold 121 booth spaces. (They gave 17 $1,000 scholarships because of the festival's success!)

Applications are available from ECCA President Karen Ray Tolbert at karenecca@yahoo.com. You can also call her at 588-0136. By the way, Karen is co-chair of our Relay For Life event this year.

Team Meeting Dates

2008-01-26T11:06:00.000-08:00

All team meetings are 6 p.m. at

the East Central Community Center

Feb. 26

March 25

April 15

April 21

WANTED: Relay Teams

2008-01-26T10:35:00.000-08:00

More than 19 teams have registered to participate in the 3rd annual East Central Relay For Life, but there’s always room for more.
“We’ll make room,” said event chairperson Cherie Langley. “The more the merrier definitely fits for this event. With all these teams out there raising money for the American Cancer Society, we should easily reach our goal of $75,000.”
But the event isn’t just about raising money to find a cure for cancer. It’s a celebration of life, a remembrance of those who have passed on, and a declaration that we will fight back and end this disease for good.
To register for a team, email luv2tlkrelay@aol.com
The annual Relay For Life event April 25 will bring the community together to fight cancer at the H.D. Shirley Stadium at East Central High School.
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is a family-oriented event where participants enjoy the camaraderie of a team and also raise funds to help eliminate cancer. “Cancer never sleeps and for 12 hours, neither do we,” Langley said. “It’s a way to remind us that we can’t give up.”
Participants camp out at the Relay site, and when they are not taking their turn walking, they take part in fun activities and enjoy local entertainment. The event helps communities celebrate those who have faced cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease.
Teams from companies, churches, organizations, hospitals and schools collect donations and can win individual and team prizes for their efforts.
“Relay For Life brings the progress against cancer to the forefront,” Langley said. “Many participants are our family, friends, and neighbors who have dealt with cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made not only reducing death rates, but also in the quality of life following cancer treatment.”
Team meetings are scheduled for Feb. 26, March 25, April 15 and April 21. All meetings are 6 p.m. at the East Central Community Center.

Quilt Raffle for ECUE

2008-01-21T16:33:00.000-08:00

The East Central Upper Elementary team is giving away a beautiful handstitched quilt to raise money toward their goal. Raffle tickets are available for a $2 donation for each one. A name will be drawn at 9:30 p.m. April 25 at the Relay For Life event.

Quilt was made by C.P. Winters who worked on it day and night since Christmas so she could surprise Michelle Cadman with it at the Relay kickoff. She donated it to the team to use as the raffle prize, but it's going to be hard to pry it out of Michelle's hands. Maybe she'll win it - I'm sure she's already purchased several tickets.

Quick story behind the quilt - CP was Michelle's junior high counselor and Michelle was friends with CP's daughter, so they've known each other a long, long time. She wanted to do something special for Michelle so she made this quilt, which is fashioned after a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon.

You can see the quilt on display at East Central Upper Elementary and can purchase raffle tickets from just about any ECUE teacher or at the office, 588-7019.

Check out www.michellecadman.blogspot.com to read about her battle with cancer and her wonderful story of survival.

Sign forms available - Earn $100 for your team

2008-01-21T11:30:00.000-08:00

If you've been to Relay, you've seen the signs around the track. Some give health tips, while others offer well wishes for those who are winning the fight and rememberances for those who have passed on. These signs can be sold for $100 and the money is credited to your team. It's a great way to inch your way to your goal.

We've created forms to help gather the information for the signs. Pay attention to the deadline at the bottom. You can turn in forms and money during regular team captain meetings.

Request a form by clicking HERE.

There's also a link on the right hand side of this web site under "Resources for Teams."

Letter to the Editor we submitted

2008-01-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

This was sent to the Mississippi Press and to the Sun Herald. If you see it in one of the newspapers, please email me at magnoliareporter@aol.com and let me know so we can clip it out. Thanks!
Donna H.

---------------------------------------------
To the Editor:

I am reminded of a quote from Albert Einstein – “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle, and the other is as if everything is a miracle.”

In my short time as chairperson for the East Central Relay For Life for the American Cancer Society, I’ve witnessed so many living the latter. From the little girl who built a construction paper chain made from links inked with each survivor’s name to the teacher nervous to address a crowd wearing a cap to cover the wisps of hair slowly growing back. These people live believing in miracles.

Last week the Hurley/Wade/Big Point/Harleston/Three Rivers communities came together for the kickoff celebration for the 3rd annual East Central Relay. I want to thank all of those who helped make it a fun, successful event and though I don’t mention your name here, please know that it could not have happened without you.

My community is awesome. In 2006, the first Relay’s goal was $25,000. We raised $50,000 for the American Cancer Society to be used for the development of new prevention and detection programs, expansive patient support programs and to further its advocacy efforts and education. For 2007, the ACS set our goal for $50,000. Not a problem – we raised $75,000. So this year our goal is $75,000. I believe we can not only reach it, but we can surpass it like usual. Could this be the year we make six digits? I believe in miracles, so of course we can.

We have one less month to fund-raise since the event is in April instead of May this year, but I don’t think that will be an issue. As more people see what the ACS is doing for their families, their neighbors and for them, it becomes easier to reach those goals.

Please get involved with Relay For Life – form a team, make a donation, support a survivor as they make that initial lap around the field on Relay night – whatever you can do is greatly appreciated. Cancer touches all of our lives in one way or another, and we have the power to put a stop to it once and for all.

Believe in miracles? Believe we must. Just ask a cancer survivor if miracles exist.

Thank you,

Cherie Persons Langley
2008 East Central Relay For Life chairperson

Mark your calendars

2008-01-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

Our Relay this year is a month early, so make sure you mark it on your calendar so it won't slip up on you.

It's Friday, April 25 and begins at 6 p.m. then runs all night long because cancer never sleeps and for one night, neither do we!

The theme is "LIFE Is Worth Fighting For... Cancer is not a GAME!"

2008 Goal - $75,000

Pictures and video of Kickoff

2008-01-17T11:02:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned for pictures and video from the kickoff!

Kickoff was a big success

2008-01-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

The theme of the 3rd annual East Central Relay For Life kickoff was When You Wish Upon A Cure but this group of volunteers are doing more than just wishing. The Relay committee has been hard at work behind the scenes to make sure that this is the most successful Relay event to date. The goal this year is $75,000! That's up from $25,000 in 2006. This community has been so awesome that each year the American Cancer Society expects us to do even better, and I'm sure we will. Big thanks to everyone who helped with the kickoff, and special acknowledgements to Sassy's, H&H Chevron, Century Bank, Four Seasons Florist, Cakes By Natalie, Michael White, Sun Herald, Mississippi Press, WLOX and the EC Link. Also to Rev. Gene Emswiler of Three Rivers Assembly of God Church for the opening prayer, to Robert Morris, the vice president of ACS of Mississippi, who said this was one of the best kickoffs he'd ever been to, and to cancer survivor Michelle Cadman for sharing her story with us. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And a big round of applause to the East Central Players for their version of American Idol. The East Central High School Drama Team is directed by Kristal Sisson. If you missed the kickoff you missed a great skit. There's some really talented kids in the high school drama department.