The Monroe County Relay For Life sported a Mardi Gras theme this year as they attempted to “Unmask the Cure” as this sign at the relay entrance declares.

According to Pat McDougal, the Monroe County Relay for Life had a wonderful turn out on Friday and Saturday, taking in a total of $56,173 in donations, almost reaching the $57,000 goal they had set for Relay for Life this year.

A total of 54 cancer survivors were present for the Survivors Dinner that was cooked by the Woodsfield Christian Church and the Ormet Retirees Club. At this dinner, the king’s title was given to Homer Gauding of Sardis and the queen’s title was given to Judy Smith of Beallsville. An estimate of between 80 and 100 people were present for the dinner.

The Ambassador of Hope award for 2009 was given to Stanley Garrett. The ambassador represents strength and hope to all of those battling cancer according to Ruth Longwell, committee member of the Monroe County Relay for Life.

The Mr. Relay title was bestowed upon Evan Eggleston this year. Team winners this year are as follows: overall camp site winner, The Dennis the Menace Team; best banner, Dream Team; Spirit Stick, WesBanco team; jambalaya cook-off, Dream Team; laser tag, Hannibal Hope; water ballon volleyball, Doing More for a Cure; corn hole tournament, Gump’s Bunch; Mardi Gas outfits and mask, Gump’s Bunch; crab walk, Hannibal Hope; and pancake stacker, Gump’s Bunch.

Poster contest winners of the Monroe County Relay for Life were, elementary school, first place, Kendra Earley; second place, Issac Kurtis; third place, Kara Dotterer.

High School winners were first place, Wyatt Groves; second place, Daniel Archer; and third place, Michael Schonohoff. Honorable mention went to Kim Christman. Favorite poster winner was Daniel Archer and the best of relay poster winner went to Wyatt Grove.

Mr. Relay, Evan Eggleston, in the dress, is surrounded by his admirers, from left: Eric Dierkes, Mitchell Earley, and Wesley Lloyd. (Photos by Amy Witschey)

Linda McConnell, a member of Grump’s Bunch, walks the relay path under a festive Mardi Gras umbrella. Grump’s Bunch won the award for having the best Mardi Gras outfits and mask.