By Charlotte Smith
Many folks in the county work hard throughout the year to raise money for the fight against cancer. Businesses, churches, civic groups and other volunteers unite as teams to raise funds for cancer research through Bladen County Relay for Life.
This Saturday, the annual fundraising event was held at the Elizabethtown Middle School from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Although the participation for Relay for Life has dropped in recent years, Bladen County persists with its fight against the deadly disease.
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DJ Al Boogie from Dublin kept the music pumping through the day into the evening while supporters walked the track, enjoyed games, raffles, a bounce house and food.
Vendors were set up around the track selling crafts, food, raffle tickets and more to help raise funds for cancer research.
Vanessa Crocker from the Baldwin Branch Baptist Church team auctioned off her “Crack Cake” to help the proceeds. Crocker said, “There is a very interesting story behind this cake.”
She then explained how her mom, Mrs. Beatrice McKoy would bake the cake often, but when Mrs. McKoy was diagnosed with breast cancer she became unable to bake. Therefore, Mrs. McKoy’s husband, Clyde, would have Mrs. McKoy sit in the kitchen and tell him how to bake the cake. The cake was so popular Mr. McKoy has been asked to bake the cake even after his wife’s passing from cancer.
Vanessa added her mom and dad also went to Baldwin Branch Church, and the Pastor is the one who gave the cake it’s special name, “Crack Cake”. Now, it is fitting that this delicious cake has a small piece in the fight for a cure.
Organizers of the event continued to shine the light on the people effected by cancer with the traditional luminaries service. Every year bags are placed around the track with names on them and candles in them. At dark, all lighting is shut down, the candles are lit and the names are announced, in honor and memory of those effected by cancer.
The proceeds raised at the annual Bladen County Relay for Life go towards cancer research.
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