Jasper's Relay for Life keeps breaking records

That roar you heard from anywhere downtown Jasper Friday at midnight was when event chair Lloyd Persons announced that the Relay for Life fundraiser had just topped $100,000.

"And they said it couldn't be done in Jasper," Persons said, "and here we are only halfway through the night."

Team coordinator Sandy Flores says the final total was $121,701.19.

"It's very exciting to know that we are picking up more and more supporters each year," Persons said. "I know this event will continue to grow by leaps and bounds. We thank everyone for their participation."

Relay raises funds to fight back against cancer and help survivors celebrate the victory. Teams compete to raise the most money, any way they can.

Originally, the idea was that the fight against cancer never rests, so at least one person walked with the team baton all night long. Now, teams hold pre-events, like an all night softball tournament or selling plate lunches or chances for a prize.

The Relay itself began April 25 at 7 p.m. with the first lap around the courthouse going to survivors and their caregivers. Then the music cranked up and the games began.

Flores says these are some of the big winners from the 2008 Relay:

Most dollars raised by teams- Latch Oil's Saddle Up for a Cure, $15,648; Sherry Tracy's Sparklers, $11,324; First National Bank's Walking with Interest, $6,600; Raymond's Cutters, $6,398; Few Primary's No Deal to Cancer, $5,903.

By individuals- Sherry Tracy from Sparklers, $5,791; Paula Tyler from Raymond's Cutters, $3,169; Mona Barbay from Sparklers, $1,943; Nicole Womack from Few Primary, $1,695; Margie Saulsbury from Charlie's Angels, $1,500.

The number one youth team was Hollywood Divas from the Kirbyville High School FCCLA, $2,777.

The most funds raised online by a team was the Falkner Family and Friends, and the most funds raised by online pledges was Tara Faulkner.

The best decorated campsite was Sparklers. Best team t-shirts were the Pink Pals.