The Petal Relay For Life staff set a goal to raise $64,100 for the American Cancer Society over the course of this “Relay Season,” which kicked off in August 2018.
So far, the group has garnered $54,464.16 toward that goal – with $13,483 of that courtesy of Relay Night on May 3, when more than 50 survivors participated to raise funds and awareness in the fight against cancer.
“We were very happy to see the city of Petal show up and support Relay, especially when there are so many towns that no longer have a Relay For Life Event,” said Haylee Ferguson, who is finishing out her stint as Relay For Life committee chair. “Our main objective with Relay is to raise the most funds possible for the American Cancer Society, so of course I would have loved to see us raise much more on Relay Night.
“But the amount that we raised is pretty average for what the event has raised the past few years, so I am very happy about that.”
The event, which was held at Hinton Park, kicked off with a Survivor Reception featuring the Petal High School Jazz Band. The opening ceremony featured Miss Hattiesburg Macy Mitchell singing the National Anthem, and was followed by a Survivor/Caregiver Lap around the park’s track.
The entertainment, which began later in the evening, featured Mike Russell as Elvis, Anna McDaniel, Mallory Dykes and 18 Miles. Following the entertainment was the Luminaria Ceremony, in which hundreds of luminaria – votive candles in small paper bags – were lit around the track.
Singer/songwriter Josh Birdsong took the stage before the closing ceremony to cap off the event.
The theme for this year’s Relay Night was “Game Show and Reality TV Shows,” with a “Real Housewives of Petal” tent, candy and games for children, and food and refreshments offered at the park.
“I’m very excited to see how the city will continue to support our Relay For Life event (in the future), but I’m also very sad because this was my last Relay to serve on the event leadership committee,” Ferguson said.
Relay For Life officials are in need of volunteers for the 2020 Relay Season. Anyone interested in serving can get more information by emailing petalrelayforlife@gmail.com.
