Andalusia Star News

Cancer survivors Hattie Lawson, Patty Ashworth and Teresa Nelson were excited to participate in survivor lap. | Andrew Garner/Star-News

While “Going Long for a Cure” is this year’s county Relay for Life theme, there remains a long way to go to meet this year’s $100,000 fundraising goal.

“That’s why fundraisers for the months of January through April are always so important,” said Carrie Thomasson, Relay chair.

“We have a $25,000 goal for sponsorships, and we’ve raised $11,000,” she said. “So we’re at 44 percent of that goal.

And so far, $15,000 has been collected from fundraisers. The group has exceeded its goal of having 25 participating teams.

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising activity. During the Relay, team members take turns walking around a track, there is also a survivors’ dinner, lap and entertainment. This year’s event will be held on April 27.

Thomasson said the night will feature football-themed sideline activities to “keep the evening hopping.”

“These will include a moon pie eating contest – and we’re looking for moon pie donations; a run-through competition, where each team decorates their own football team’s run-through for judging; football throwing contests, and cheer contests including Relay teams and, hopefully, any local cheer squads that are interested,” she said.

Three are three “big” fundraisers on the immediate horizon – the annual Relay for Life beauty pageant on Feb. 4 and two new fundraisers.

“The Parker Photography team is sponsoring a runway show, with models and selections from local retail businesses and the Shaw-team sponsored bingo night,” she said.

Tickets are on sale now for the runway show, which is set for 7 p.m., March 10, at the Andalusia Adult Activity Center. They are available by email Angie Parker at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 334-892-2257 or contacting Diane Jones at 334-222-6891.

Shaw’s bingo night will be held on Fri., Feb. 3, beginning at 5 p.m., at the Shaw rec building.

Thomasson said other fundraisers this including singing telegrams by the Andalusia High School choral department, a Cupid pageant by the LBW Community College SGA and several others.

“If a company wants to make a one-time donation and be part of our sponsorship circle and be recognized in our advertisements, they can call Amanda Wise at 222-6968. She’ll be happy to talk with them.”

For info, call Thomasson at 427-3802 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .