Warren Relay for Life leads state in funds raised

Bob Antenucci of Warren is the individual who raised the most income in Ohio.

WARREN — The top four American Cancer Society Ohio Division Relay For Life events in 2007 were from the Northeast Ohio Region, with the Warren Relay in Trumbull County the top Relay in the state.

This year the Warren event generated $451,892.

Official income totals of the 215 Ohio Relays were announced recently at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life Summit in Columbus.

Statewide, $16.4 million was raised this year from all of the Relays in Ohio.

The Hudson-Stow Relay in Summit County was second best at $295,770.

The Boardman Relay in Mahoning County was third at $284,964, while the Wooster Relay in Wayne County was fourth at $261,000.

“Our volunteers who work year round are the main reason for this success,” said Jo-Ann Crank, vice president of the Northeast Ohio Region American Cancer Society.

This year the American Cancer Society’s 48 Relay For Life events in Northeast Ohio netted more than $4.6 million. Also, there were 6,809 cancer survivors who took part in the opening ceremonies by walking a lap around a track or designated area to begin each relay.

Also, four other Relays in Northeast Ohio ranked in the top 25 Relays in the state.

In Trumbull County, the Liberty Relay was 21st with a net income of $151,082.

Relays that exceeded their income goal by 10 percent and 9 percent were also recognized. The area Relay 10 percent over its goal was Springfield in Mahoning County; area Relays 9 percent over their goal were Columbiana and Lisbon in Columbiana County, and Youngstown State University in Mahoning County

Brodell Medical Inc. was recognized nationally for raising more than $50,000 as a team. They participated in the Warren Relay in Trumbull County.

Bob Antenucci, also from Warren, was recognized as the individual who raised the most income in Ohio. He raised $29,000 and is a long-time participant in the Warren Relay.

Three counties in Northeast Ohio received the best income per capita award, which is given to counties according to their income raised and their population bracket. Summit, Trumbull and Wayne counties were each recognized for being the top county in their population group in Ohio.

Relay For Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society. The 2007 Relays were held from April to July. Each ranged from 18 to 24 hours in length. Teams of people took turns walking. Each team consisted of 10 to 15 volunteers.

The 13 counties in the American Cancer Society Northeast Ohio Region are Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas and Wayne.