Relays for Life Raise Thousands for Fight Against Cancer

An hour of unexpected rain showers didn't dampen spirits Saturday, March 31, at the FishHawk and Riverview Relays for Life.

After taking temporary refuge beneath tents and in the schools' cafeterias, the teams promptly got back to the business of walking their respective tracks and selling everything from baked goods to cancer awareness bracelets.

"This is my first time doing this," said Nick Behringer, who posed as the Cat in the Hat for photos to raise funds for the FishHawk relay at Newsome High School. "It's a fun way to spread the word about cancer and a great way to raise some money."

The FishHawk relay featured a storybook theme that included such classics as "Goodnight, Moon," "The Gingerbread Man" and "Harold and the Purple Crayon."

"We're selling homemade sweet tea, popcorn and hosting face painting and cornhole tournaments to raise funds," said Newsome Future Farmers of America team leader Kelly Ware.

Down the track, Lori March of the Brandon and Riverview Montessori Schools was doing a brisk business selling baked goods.

"We've raised $3,200 so far," said March. Prior to the relay itself, the schools hosted a yard sale, raffle and a coin challenge for the students that raised $900. "This is our fifth year participating. It's such a great cause."

A few miles down Boyette Road in Riverview, relay participants were busy selling drinks, baked goods and other items at Riverview High School for the Riverview Relay for Life.

The theme of this year's Riverview relay was "movies."

This was the fifth year The Osprey Observer, Chick fil-A of Lake Brandon Village and Dynamic Painting USA have partnered in a booth for the Riverview relay.

"This year we raised over $9,000," said Marie Gilmore, editor and publisher of The Osprey Observer.