Recession…what recession?

The final number is in the books from the 2010 Hertford-Gates Relay for Life and it’s apparent that the citizens and businesses of these two rural counties had little or no regard for the gloom and doom of a national recession.

As of the Aug. 1 closeout for the year, Hertford-Gates Relay for Life raised $264,521.83. That was the largest amount in the event’s history and exceeded the total announced at the final day of this year’s Relay – $238,143.25. The event was held in late April, but teams had until August 1 to hand in all the money generated by their respective fundraisers.

The goal for the 10th annual – one that attracted a record-setting 61 teams and 1,113 pre-registered participants – was $232,000.

The 2010 event also established records for the number of survivors (329; goal was 311); money generated through corporate sponsorships ($79,000; the goal was $58,000); and the sale of luminaries ($32,242; the goal was $23,000).

“This is such an awesome accomplishment for our community of Hertford and Gates counties,” said event Co-Chair Rochelle Harrell. “Our citizens should be proud of all they have done to help find a cure.”

Harrell continued, “However, we cannot stop until a cure is found; we have got to continue to work until we find a cure and never lose another mother, father, brother, sister, family member of friend to this disease. Remember, there is no finish line until a cure is found.”

“There are no words to describe the efforts of our teams, our sponsors and the communities that support Relay here in Hertford-Gates,” said Relay for Life Co-Chair Bonnie Langdale. “All I can say is that when you put good folks together, all working towards a common goal, the possibilities are endless.”

Hertford-Gates Relay officials have also announced the top teams and individuals participating in the 2010 event. Those winners are as follows:

Top Fundraising Team Runner Up: Metal Tech ($25,383.11)

Top Fundraising Team Winner: Nucor Steel – Hertford County ($46,300.37)

Top Fundraising Individual Runner Up: Travis Blowe ($1,405.05)

Top Fundraising Individual Winner: Larry Futrell ($2,005.00)

2nd Place Fundraising Business: Metal Tech ($25,383.11)

1st Place Fundraising Business: Nucor Steel – Hertford County ($46,300.37)

2nd Place Fundraising University Team: Chowan University Alpha Sigma Tau ($725.85)

1st Place Fundraising University Team: Chowan University SNCAE ($765.00)

2nd Place Fundraising School: Bearfield Primary ($4,454.63)

1st Place Fundraising School: Ridgecroft School ($12,143.94)

1st Place Fundraising School System: Gates County Educators ($8,667.56)

2nd Place Fundraising Health Care Team: Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center ($6,217.40)

1st Place Fundraising Health Care Team: Roanoke Chowan Hospital ($10,823.00)

2nd Place Fundraising Organization: American Legion Auxiliary ($4,706.00)

1st Place Fundraising Organization: Melrose Woman’s Club ($7,468.00)

2nd Place Fundraising Family and Friends Team: Echoes of Love ($8,263.50)

1st Place Fundraising Family and Friends Team: Cheryl’s Girls ($21,647.16)

2nd Place Fundraising Church Team: First Baptist Church of Ahoskie ($5,944.93)

1st Place Fundraising Church Team: Union Baptist Church ($9,607.34)

Runner Up Mission Delivery Commercial: Girl Scout Troop #2107

Winner Mission Delivery Commercial: Ridgecroft School

Runner up Road to Recovery License Plate: First Baptist Church of Ahoskie

Winner Road to Recovery License Plate: Think Pink

Runner Up Flame of Hope Award: Echoes of Love

Winner Flame of Hope Award: Metal Tech

Runner Up of Light Up the Night Award: Metal Tech

Winner of Light Up the Night Award: Cheryl’s Girls

Runner Up Team Spirit Award: Liberty Free Will Baptist Church

Winner Team Spirit Award: American Legion Ladies Aux

Rookie Team of the Year: Hertford County Employees

Maria Evan’s Pack the Track Award: Cheryl’s Girls

3rd Place Not So Talented Talent Contest: Open Arms Church

2nd Place Not So Talented Talent Contest: Echoes of Love

1st Place Not So Talented Talent Contest: Roanoke Chowan Hospital

3rd Place Best Decorated Campsite: Union Baptist Church

2nd Place Best Decorated Campsite: Gates County Educators

1st Place Best Decorated Campsite: Echoes of Love

3rd Place Best Theme: Chowan Ultimate Smurfs

2nd Place Best Theme: Cheryl’s Girls

1st Place Best Theme: Conway United Methodist Church

3rd Place Best Banner: Todd’s Pharmacy

2nd Place Best Banner: Union Baptist Church

1st Place Banner: RBC Centura

Theme Lap Winners

Let Your Light Shine: Liberty Free Will Baptist

Toga: RCH

Patriotic: Reynoldson Baptist Church

Celebrate More Birthdays: Sadies Ladies

Anything but Clothes: No Clothes Lap – Cheryl’s Girls

3 Legged Lap: Union Baptist Church

Good Morning lap: All teams who walked in the rain

Impact Award: Jackie Brinkley

Heart of Relay Award: Travis Blowe