To the Editor:

Relay For Life of Isle of Wight/Surry held its annual event on June 3, overnight, and ended approximately 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 4.

Smithfield High School was the venue, and we would like to thank Rebecca Mercer, Coach Miles Blount and Mr. Wallace for allowing us to use the facility and also for taking care of us. We had a record number there Friday night. Thus far we have only received positive remarks.

Our thanks also go to the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office and the Smithfield Police for their presence at the event and our monthly meetings.

We were so blessed to have several people/groups donate their time. The Boy Scouts of Troop No. 3 were there to serve and the Rainbow Girls of Smithfield Assembly No. 5 helped clean up on Saturday.

The Smithfield High BETA Club came out in force to help fill and display the luminary bags. The band Crossword provided us with uplifting and encouraging music. The drama team from Mt. Nebo Baptist performed a beautiful program.

Thanks also go to C.J. Greiner for being our emcee and disc jockey, Cartoon Carl for providing kids’ activities and Teeny Tiny Farms for the petting zoo. Skip Sharpley provided all the tents and tables for the event. Olde World Tea Co. brought us breakfast Saturday morning.

I also want to thank my church family at Bacons Castle Baptist, who has been so supportive and encouraging.

Our goal was $213,175; at this point we have succeeded it by several thousand dollars. The final number is not in.

There is still time to donate for this year, which ends Aug. 31, 2011. You can visit our website at www.relayforlife.org/iws and make a donation online or contact any team member and they will be happy to help you.

You can reach me at 757-357-0356 or 757-650-0336.

Thank you to all who helped make this event a success.

It is an honor to serve as the event chair.

Nancy P. Cowan
Smithfield
Cancer survivor
Caregiver
American Cancer Society volunteer for 18 years