Relay raises $62 thousand to fight cancer

Donna Tilleman, left, and Mariah Sheehy carry a banner and lead the group of cancer survivors around the track at the 2011 Relay For Life on Friday, July 8. Havre's annual Relay For Life was held at the Havre High track.

More than 265 people showed up at Havre High School Friday night to put up with the windy weather and to walk, laugh and have a good time fighting cancer.

A total of $62,851.56 was raised to fight cancer, and more can still be collected, said Jenn Thompson, the chair of this year's Havre Relay for Life. Teams have until Aug. 31 to contribute more money, she said.

Twenty-five teams took part in the festivities, each with their own way of raising money.

Bullhook Clinic had a "Fear Factor" contest, Havre Jaycees conducted a frozen T-shirt game, and the Hill County Health Department got a lot of laughs with its "Kiss the Pig" contest. Commissioner Jeff LaVoi beat out Commissioner Kathy Bessette and Havre Mayor Tim Solomon for the right to kiss the pig. The winner hammed it up, kissing the pig several times so different photographers could get their pictures.

The annual event raises money to fund research and to help support various programs that help patients and their families cope with cancer.

"It's a cause I'm passionate about," Thompson said. "I have several friends who were affected by cancer. "

Friday's event opened with a barbecue, a survivors' lap and Cub Scout Pack 4426 leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Trina Frickel, the Cub Scout team captain, said that her team had held a raffle, sold food at Sounds on the Square and held a fishing booth at the mall.

The wind on Friday evening only slightly affected the event by delaying the lighting of the luminaries, and the food tent had to be taken down immediately following the barbecue.

Luminaries lined the edges of the Havre High School track to light the way for the all-night walk.

For much of the night, wind prevented the luminaries from being lit, Thompson said. But half-way through the all-night affair, the wind died down and the luminaries were able to shine.

She said the event came off only because so many people volunteered time and so many businesses donated prizes.

"I want to thank all the volunteers and businesses that helped organize and donated to the event, " said Thompson.