RECAP OF RELAY 2012-FISH FIGHT

Relay 2012 was so great this year.  Our team Fish Fight raised about $14,700 and that was way beyond anything expected!  I (Beth) was lucky enough to be the captain of this awesome team!  I wasn't alone though, in my eyes there were many leaders! Everyone did a great job from the kids selling items at camp; to Grandma Ruby making a quilt and all of her beautiful handmade items (quilt won by Lynette Pitcher); to everyone getting auction items; to Stacey getting well over a thousand dollars in sponsors and items and also hosting the 2nd annual 5K run/1 mi. walk while she was also the Publicity Committee Chair; to Carol who added fun and successful fund raisers AND got her employer to sponsor the event AND match employee donations...HUGE; to all the kids and grandkids for spending many hours at the camp; to the walkers in the middle of the night; to my brother Fred who raised thousands in his name from Florida and also donated to many on the team (Fred walked 24 miles in Florida - coinciding with our walk); to all of our great sponsors, every donation counts from $'s, to great auction items, to the elliptical donated by Icon/NordicTrack (thanks Josh!); to my sister who raised money from Ohio and flies out (3rd year) to walk; every member contributed in one way or another!  To see all of our family and friends participate at the Relay in their dark pink Fish Fight shirts was great (you couldn't miss us and all our men looked fantastic in PINK!:) Little Taylie, Beck and Collin looked pretty cute in the baby versions! A big thanks to all for coming in the hot humid weather and staying and protecting our camp through the wind and rain!

Carol and Vince

 Vince & Miss Cache Valley

Caregivers waiting for Survivors

We had SEVEN Grand Club members (people raising $1000 or more!).  We had 2 team members in the top 3; Fred had $3255 and Carol had $1803.  The other Grand Club members were Ruby, Stacey, Judy, Dennis and myself.

Stacey & Beth receiving "red shirts"

Survivors carrying Vince

Normally my favorite part of Relay in the past has been the Survivor Program or the Luminaria Program.  Although, these two programs were both special again, my favorite memory from this year will be of Vicente Forero.  This guy is one special person.  Vince works with Carol at Inovar and they were both on their company's charity donation committee.  A few days before Relay, Vince declared that he was going to try and walk the full 24!!  He was such an inspiration to all..he truly carried us through the night.  He wouldn't even stop to eat but carried his plate as he walked.  Saturday morning someone alerted the announcer about Vince and it was announced to the crowd that Vince was walking 24 hours! How cool to hear each camp cheer as Vince walked by the remainder of the day. When he was coming to the last lap before Closing Ceremonies, he sat down to put on his shoes. He was periodically taking off his shoes to walk on the wet grass and cool his feet off. He had been limping pretty bad. But he said he was going out in style!  So he jumped up and started jogging! Cade and Bean started out with him and as he passed each camp they cheered and he would pick up a few followers from each. By the time they were approaching the stage, he had quite a crowd with him.

Then he was acknowledged at the closing ceremonies with a kiss from Miss Cache Valley, a Relayopoly Game and a ride around the track (last lap) in the firemen's basket.  As Vince had carried us, now we would return the favor by carrying him. The Fireman started carrying him and he was passed to different groups along the way, including the Committee, and then the Survivors carried him to close the event.  It was touching and fitting.  I will never forget it as I'm sure most won't, including Vince.  We all made a new friend this weekend, I hope Vince comes back next year, whether he walks 1 hour or 2 or 24, he is always welcome on Team Fish Fight!


Go Team Fish Fight!!  Another successful year, making more birthdays!!