Churning up money for cancer

By WILL STEWART / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Charles Thaxton sends mud flying as he emerges from a deep mud hole while participating in the Relay for Life, a four-wheeling, fund-raising event that took place Saturday. (Will Stewart photo)

Close to 100 area four-wheeler enthusiasts converged at Joyce’s Mountain Market on Harrison Ferry Mountain Saturday to take part in the second annual Relay for Life, raising almost $1,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Gary Womack, a member of the Spencer chapter of the American Cancer Society who lost both of his parents to cancer, said the ride is just one of many ways the chapter raises money to fight the disease.

“We do all kinds of fund-raising, yard sales, car washes, pizza sales, but this is one of our biggest and most unique fund-raisers we have all year,” Womack said. “It’s also one of the most fun.”

The ATV riders, who each paid $10 to participate, traversed over 30 miles of off-road trails in a route that took them down through Big Sink, across Hills Creek and back up the mountain to Curtistown by way of Dry Creek. Upon completion of this “poker run,” the riders each drew five playing cards. The riders with the best poker hands won several prizes donated by area businesses.

“All money raised today will go directly to the Cancer Society,” said Womack. “We appreciate everyone who came out and participated and those businesses that helped as our sponsor.”