News Editor

Pike County can talk the talk and walk the walk when it comes to raising money for cancer research.

At midnight Friday Donna Schubert, team recruitment chair for Relay for Life, announced that Pike County had raised $169, 378.20 for cancer research through Relay for Life fundraisers.

"The awards ceremony is when we recognize the champions among heroes," Schubert said. "We thank each of you

– whether you gave your time, efforts, hard-earned money or just your love."

Before announcing the grand total teams and team members were recognized for outstanding fund raising and spirit during the past few months.

South Alabama Electric Cooperative was awarded the Second Annual Avis Synco Spirit of Relay Award. This is the second year the award has been presented in honor of Avis Synco. Teams that received this award are recognized for having the same spirit that Synco had when it came to raising money for Relay for Life. Charles and Barbara Synco presented the award.

Gibson and Carden was presented the award for best tent and decorations. The theme of the Gibson and Carden tent was "Teed off at Cancer." The tent was decorated with a golf motif complete with putting greens.

The Per Capita Award was presented to First United Methodist Church. This award is presented to the team that raises the most money per team member.

Roy Bray was the top fund-raiser this year and was recognized during the awards ceremony. Bray raised more than $2,000 for cancer research.

The top team for the 2001 Relay for Life was Park Memorial United Methodist Church. Throughout the campaign the team held several different fund-raisers, and was determined to raise as much money as possible for cancer research. When all the money was counted PMUMC raised more than $11,000 for cancer research.

After the Awards Ceremony, Schubert was speechless.

"I am speechless," she said. "Pike County is the most incredible place to live. I am absolutely thrilled. This is difficult because people have to give hard-earned money and their time, but Pike County keeps giving. We never know which dollar it is that is going to change someone’s life, and we’ve got more than 169,000 of them."