2 local relays in 1st, 2nd for ACS

The Northeast Ohio region was the best of the five in the state.

STAFF REPORT

WARREN — The American Cancer Society’s Warren and Boardman Relay For Life events were again the top two Relays in Ohio for funds raised in 2008.

Warren’s Relay for Life netted $462,321, while the Boardman Relay generated a net $257,896.

For the past 15 years, the Warren event has been the largest in the state, while Boardman’s Relay has been the second largest in Ohio, said Al Stabilito, public relations director for ACS’s Northeast Ohio Region.

The Northeast Ohio Region, which includes 13 counties, was the best region of the five in the state, raising about $4.4 million from 49 Relay For Life events, down from $4.6 million in 2007.

The Central Region, which includes Columbus and surrounding communities, was second in the state in income raised, with about $3.5 million from 53 relays.

“Our success was possible because of the volunteer leadership who worked over the past year to ensure that each event was well organized,” said Jo-Ann Crank, vice president of the Northeast Ohio Region. “We would not be able to conduct any of the relays if it wasn’t for the passionate volunteers, team members and others who were involved.”

Overall, Ohio raised $16.7 million from 217 relay events, an increase of 2 percent over last year, Stabilito said.

“The people of Northeast Ohio once more showed that they are the best in the state at fundraising for the Relay for Life,” Crank said. “We have thousands of committed individuals who take great pride in helping us work toward our mission to eliminate this disease.”

The 13 counties in the Northeast Ohio Region include Columbiana, Jefferson, Mahoning and Trumbull.

Relay For Life is the signature event for the ACS. These events not only raise income for ACS programs, but also give cancer survivors and others a chance to celebrate life, Stabilito said.

“Despite economic conditions, the people gave generously, making us once again the top region in Ohio,” Crank said. “Every single dollar that was contributed helps in our mission to find new ways to prevent or treat this disease and assist cancer patients.”

The ACS invests about 75 cents of every dollar in its mission to eliminate cancer. The funds are used for cancer research, education, advocacy and services to cancer patients and families. These are the areas that have the most impact on reducing incidence and saving lives, Crank said.