Kilgore Relay concludes year with wrap-up event
By GREG COLLINS for the News Herald

Kilgore Relay For Life 2008 concluded its year with a Wrap- Up Dessert Feast at The First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.

Totals, volunteers and outstanding donors were recognized, and Rachel Conner, the chair for the past two years, passed the torch to Jackie Fout, the chair for the upcoming two years as this year's Relay effort was finalized.

Kilgore Relay For Life has raised $84,600 for this year.

"And, this total is not final," Conner commented. "We still have donations to come in during the summer, and one group is still holding a major fund raiser which was postponed in the spring."

The goal for the 2008 Relay was $115,000, but Conner was still happy with the total despite falling short of six figures in donations.

"We had a goal which we did not meet," she said. "But the $84,600 is still a respectable figure. Even with continual increases in gas prices, food prices and other living expenses, the people of Kilgore are extremely generous."

Christ the King Catholic Church, with over $13,000 in donations, again leads the way with the most money raised.

"There is real money in brittle," Conner commented. "These ladies attend trades days and other events to raise money for Relay For Life. They start early and their success is without question."

Halliburton and Colors of Hope, a local sorority team, also did well in money raising, getting over $5,000 each in contributions.

"I want to thank all of the committee members," Conner said. "It takes months to prepare for a Relay, and once again they did an outstanding job. I appreciate all of their hard work. We have a very dedicated group of people who come back year after year to do the job necessary."

She also had special praise for the sponsors who continue, year after year, to contribute to Kilgore Relay For Life.

"Relay is the success that it is because of our sponsors," she said. "They step up and give generously each time they are asked, one, because they are community oriented and want to give back, and, two, because their lives have been touched by cancer and they want to do anything possible to help find a cure."

Conner said she is happy with her two years as chair, and she is excited that Fout will be taking over for the next two years.

"Now is the time for change, and with that you will see Jackie Fout taking the reins as chairman," Conner commented. "Jackie brings a lot of Relay experience with her. She has six years with the committee and is one of the original members. Jackie is well prepared to take the lead."

Conner added Fout is retired from her position at Kilgore College, but people should not be fooled by that.

"She continues to take care of her family, including her husband, children and grandchildren," Conner said. "Jackie is dedicated to Relay because she knows all too well how cancer can affect your life. Jackie will soon have her committee in place to begin the preparations for the 2009 season. Thank you, Jackie, for all of the work you will do and what you will accomplish."

Conner said she will also be part of the Relay committee in the future, but her position has not been cemented as of yet. There are several avenues she is looking at, but, like so many other Relay volunteers, she does not want to stop until the job is finished.

"Let us not stop until a cure is found," she said. "Cancer is not discriminating. It can happen to anyone. Relay is an avenue that allows us to fight back. Please say yes if you are asked to serve or give."