Saturday, March 8, members of First Baptist Church’s Relay for Life (RFL) team braved the bitter winds and temperatures in the low 40s to help raise money for the American Cancer Society (ACS). From 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. team members manned the intersection at the red light in downtown Pembroke. When the lights turned red and cars stopped dollars and handfuls of change filled the buckets, as many generous community members and thousands of visitors passing through town on their way to the Claxton Rattle Snake Round Up gave to the cause.
By the end of the day the RLF team’s bucket brigade raised $2,082.60.
"We are really excited about how much we raised," said team member, Restie Driggers. "Our community is very generous and supportive. The people passing through were also great! It reminds me of how thankful I am to be a part of this community."
The First Baptist Church RFL team already has 30 team members. Their team captain is Carolyn Downs of Triad Supply & Services, Inc.
In other fundraisers for the ACS, the First Bank of Coastal Georgia RFL team will be hosting a bake sale at their Pembroke Branch on March 28, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The First Bank of Coastal Georgia is also currently selling suns and moons for luminarias to be lit at the Ceremony of Hope during the event on April 4. For a one dollar donation, community members can purchase a sun or moon in honor of or memory of a loved one who has fought cancer. The suns and moons will also be on display in the bank lobby leading up to the event.
For many people who attend Relay for Life, one of the most moving and emotional parts of the event is the Ceremony of Hope. As the light dims over campsites, the crowds settle in and team members complete laps, the night is brightened by the glow of lighted bags called luminaria, each of which has a special meaning. Some luminaria celebrates the survivorship of people who have battled cancer and lived to tell the tale. Many commemorate the lives of those who have been lost to this disease. All represent a person who has been profoundly affected by cancer and the family and friends who continue to be touched by that experience.
Suns and moons are also on sale at Heritage Bank in Pembroke. For more information on the North Bryan Relay for Life or to join a team, contact Rachel Beckworth with Pembroke Telephone Company at 653-4389. You can also email ACS staff member Kylene Hartsfield at kylene.hartsfield@cancer.org