POMEROY — Top earning teams were recently honored by the Meigs County Relay for Life Committee which also announced the date of next year’s Relay for Life and the 2010 Survivorship Dinner.

This year, the Moolah Makers of Farmers Bank (Pomeroy Branch) earned the most of any team, taking in $5,800.87, making them the only team to achieve “gold” status. Earning “silver” status were Ernie’s Line Crew which took in $4,817.99, Holzer Clinic Meigs’ Dedicated to a Cure which took in $4,191.08 and Meigs Intermediate School which took in $2,790.17.

“It is a lot of hard work and it’s all year long but in the end the reward is worth it,” JoAnn Crisp, Relay co-chair said.

In all there were 16 teams which participated in this year’s Relay to support American Cancer Society service programs, cancer education, research and advocacy.

“Meigs County’s success hinges on the support, dedication and hard work of our team captains,” Courtney Sim, Relay co-chair said.

According to Crisp, mini-relays hosted in the Southern, Meigs and Eastern Local School Districts were also successful in raising $5,927.47 and providing important cancer prevention messages to local students and staff.

Mona Frecker, team captain of the Meigs Intermediate School team, said she enjoys Relay because it gets the kids involved and excited about the cause, making them aware of how cancer affects families across Meigs County. Frecker said since the school often goes to the community to help with fundraisers, the school being involved with raising Relay dollars helps the kids give back to that same community.

Overall, and with the support of several corporate sponsors which contributed $8,544.17, this year’s Relay netted approximately $38,000 to benefit Meigs County residents, including cancer patients, survivors and their family members.

Next year’s Relay has been set for noon, May 15 through 6 a.m., May 16 at the Meigs County Fair Grounds. The survivor’s reception will also be held during Relay in the Coon Hunter’s Building and be catered by Rae Moore, president of the ACS’ Meigs County Taskforce. Rocking Reggie has also been tentatively booked to provide music. Committee members noted that since there is of yet no team recruitment chair, members of the taskforce are asked to do their part in recruiting new teams and encouraging existing teams.

Also announced by the committee was the 2010 Survivorship Dinner which has been tentatively planned for March 19 at the Mulberry Community Center. Gloria Kloes is the chairperson of the newly formed Survivorship Task Force. The dinner is free to cancer patients, survivors and family members.