The final tally is huge. August 31 marked the deadline for the 2007 Relay For Life, and McDuffie County's total is $250,613.51.
"It's so amazing," said Danielle Caldwell, the community manager for the American Cancer Society. "I am just so proud of everyone in the community. It's just a huge testament to how excited everyone gets and how passionate they are."
As happens every year, the total exceeds that of the previous year. In 2006, McDuffie County raised slightly over $235,000 for cancer research and education.
"I think this is the first time we've ever raised over $250,000. That's huge," said Relay Co-Chair Peggy Willis. "That's a very significant accomplishment for a community of 25,000 people."
McDuffie has been tops in the nation of money raised per capita with growth. Ms. Caldwell said the final numbers across the nation are still being counted, so McDuffie's status in that area is still not confirmed. And the competition continues to gain momentum.
McDuffie County has alternated years with Carroll County, Iowa, population 21,000, as being the number one fund raising county in the nation per capita. Laurie Mannel, the community relations manager with the Carroll County ACS, said they are still figuring their totals.
"I know they are right around what they did last year, so we are probably neck and neck," she said.
But local officials are still keeping their fingers crossed.
"It may be several weeks yet, before we know for sure," said Thomson Mayor and Relay Co-Chair Bob Knox. "But it was a very successful year and we appreciate everybody's efforts."
