Team Raises More Than $8,000 for American Cancer Society

Photo caption - (Left to Right) - Dale Hobbs, Kaye Richards, Victoria Gay, Gina Johnson, LaTasha Stenson, Judy Sanders, Ashley Coffman, Kelly Stinnett and 22 others made up the Chargers Sunshine Relay For Life Team. The Columbia State based team walked 252.5 miles, equal to 1,010 laps around the Columbia Academy track on Friday, June 4 and Saturday, June 5.

The Columbia State Chargers Sunshine team led the charge in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life walk at Columbia Academy on Friday, June 4, raising more than $8,000 for the American Cancer Society in Maury County. The team walked a total of 252.5 miles, equal to 1,010 laps around the Columbia Academy track.

"This year's Chargers Sunshine team not only met, but exceeded every goal we set for 2010 Relay For Life," said team captain Kelly Stinnett, support staff of faculty, curriculum and programs at Columbia State. "We had 30 members sign up - more than twice last year's number."

One team goal was to achieve Silver Club status by raising more than $5,000. Instead, they raised more than the $7,500 needed to reach Gold Club status. "This was an amazing accomplishment in a time of such economic challenge," added Stinnett.

The Chargers Sunshine team held at least one fundraising activity per month since February, to build awareness of their team's existence and mission, and they were the only team to have someone walking the track at all times during the 12-hour Relay For Life event. "For most of the event, we had multiple walkers on the track," added Stinnett.

Chargers Sunshine featured several cancer survivors, including Brenda Coleman, Jackie Crawford, Aubrey Flagg, Kellie Gwin, Judy Sanders and LaTasha Stenson.

The Chargers Sunshine Relay For Life team also sold key rings embroidered with the cancer ribbon at the event, and a limited number are still available at $10 each and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. These will fit around your wrist to help keep up with your keys. If you are interested in purchasing a key ring, call Kelly Stinnett at 931-540-2750. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

Over the last two years, the team has raised approximately $12,000 for the American Cancer Society. The money will go towards cancer research, community programs and services to educate the public, and cancer advocacy.

Relay For life is a life-changing event that brings communities together to remember loved ones lost to cancer, celebrate the lives of those who have battled the disease, and to fight back by raising money and awareness of cancer prevention and treatment.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.