June 9, 2010

Another great Relay

By Tina Foreman
Farmer Staff Writer

Once again, to no surprise, the Rugged West Relay For Life’s Relay event was a great success.
This year’s Relay was held at the Watford City Tourist Park on Friday, June 4, 2010. The fun began at 5:30 p.m. with a roast beef supper donated by the District #1 CattleWomen and ended with breakfast bright and early on Saturday morning. The overnight event offered 13 teams and other members of the community a night filled with fun, food and fellowship.
“The relay went really well,” said Crystal Wold, Rugged West Relay For Life co-chair. “I was really nervous because it rained all day the day before. But we couldn’t have asked for nicer weather the day of the event.”
The opening ceremonies and survivors lap started things off at 7 p.m. with many cancer survivors from McKenzie County walking in the survivors lap.
The evening included games, music, speakers and Karaoke, among other things, running all through the night.
“We owe a big thanks to Duane Sanford for the sound system and Karaoke,” adds Wold. “It was great having a sound system that carried and the Karaoke was a blast for everyone.”
The track was lined with tents and tables for each team as members prepared for the long night ahead.
“We didn’t have any food vendors this year,” comments Wold. “Instead, the teams offered food for a free will donation. It worked great having different food throughout the night.”
The 13 teams from McKenzie County raised $77,574.53 for the American Cancer Association, an amount comparable to last year which earned the Relay second place for its per capita earnings.
“Raising nearly $78,000 for this area is amazing,” says Wold. “This is a small area and we continue to raise large amounts of money every year.”
The top money raiser for the ninth year in a row was Julie Wisness who raised $3,000 for Team Keene, which also won top honors for the highest raising team with over $16,700.
“It was a great year,” says Wold. “As soon as everyone catches up on some sleep, we will start planning and fundraising for next year’s event.”
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER