Osage-Maries Relay for Life raises over $55,000

Posted 6/26/19

Friday’s Relay For Life of Osage and Maries County at Freeburg’s Lion Field was a big success thanks to the efforts of many organizations and support from the communities.

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Osage-Maries Relay for Life raises over $55,000

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Friday’s Relay For Life of Osage and Maries County at Freeburg’s Lion Field was a big success thanks to the efforts of many organizations and support from the communities.

“We truly appreciated the Freeburg community, the Maries County Bank in Vienna, and Joe’s Market in Westphalia for decorating their community’s purple in awareness for Relay,” said 2019 Survivor Chair Nicki Bax. “It definitely brings a whole community together to fight cancer. I feel way too many people have been touched by cancer.”

The guest speaker was Joseph Rakestraw, D.O. 

Due to the weather, there was no survivor lap; instead survivors were each recognized by name and how long they have been a survivor. Each was then given a hot air balloon which they placed on a banner that read, “Oh! The Places you will go,” in keeping with the Dr. Seuss theme.

Glenda Bonham, a one-month survivor and fighter, said, “I will beat this.” 

She was very positive and upbeat, Bax noted, a trait every survivor at the Relay for Life shared.

The luminaria ceremony was held at dark, and included a few words by Janelle Baclesse regarding what it represents. Lori Greer, a den mother and her daughter, Emily, of Linn BSA Troop 17, volunteered with luminaries.

Father Bill Debo read all names of those represented by luminaries, and Grace Rowden sang “Amazing Grace.” She also sang the National Anthem as part of the event’s opening ceremony, as Kacie and Kinzie Haller said the Pledge of Allegiance, and Sheriff Michael Bonham opened the ceremony with a prayer.

Ronda Brewer, from Grain Valley, attended the event with her son, Alex, and Bax’s daughter, Carissa. “She had never attended a relay and said she was especially touched by the luminaries that were lined up for everyone to see,” said Nicki Bax, noting that each luminaria is lighted and represents a life taken by cancer, someone still fighting cancer, or someone who has survived cancer. “Brewer got choked up just talking about it. She lost her best friend to cancer this year, and was honored to make a luminaria for her.” 

“It is heartwarming and heart-wrenching,” Brewer said.

Many of the volunteers and participants come to the event because they or somebody they love has been diagnosed with cancer, Bax added.

Several activities were held, including a magic show hosted by Gerry Tritz of Mid Mo Magic Show. 

“This was definitely a crowd pleaser,” said Bax, adding that another fun event involved the “Show Me Clown Club”, which graciously returns every year to support Relay for Life. 

Putter’s Popcorn, Rosco’s Ice Cream Truck and Jim’s Pork Rinds also provided tasty treats. The event also included a silent and a live auction, and the entertainment committee also hosted a few contests. 

The winner in the Green Eggs and Ham contest was Makayla Buscher, who won a ham, and the Fox in Socks winner was Lucille Welschmeyer.

This year’s goal is to raise $60,000, and according to American Cancer Society Representative Seth Freeman, going in to the event, $45,000 had already raised. By, midnight, the Relay for Life had raised $55,788.99. 

One form of fundraising is to form teams which compete to raise the most money in the community. This year, there were five teams, with the AK Crusaders raising almost $23,000. Top Individual fundraisers recognized during the night were: All Star ($2,500 or more raised) Kristen Bax and Janelle Baclesse, and Grand Club ($1,000 or more), Paige Lafferty, Alora Gentges, Amy Sankey, Jennifer Brendel, and Ruth Welschmeyer.

The money raised from the event will go towards American Cancer Society research, providing free rides to treatment, support programs, education and prevention, wigs and funds for Hope Lodge, which provides a free place to stay while people receive cancer treatment.

“Our event was successful and we truly appreciated all those that came out Friday evening to support our Relay,” said Bax. “We had great participation the whole evening.”

She offered appreciation on behalf of the Relay for Life Committee to Andy Iven and his helper, Kaden Haller, for the barbecue food, the Freeburg Lions Club for the use of its faculties, and the Osage County Democrat Committee, which provided water for the survivors at no charge. 

If you are a survivor and would like to receive a shirt and a goody bag, please contact Nicki Bax at 573-301-6944 or nicki.bax@att.net.