Polk County Relay for Life Continues to Shine as One of the Top Communities in the USA at Supporting a Worthy Cause.
2010 Chairman Tammi Ogletree addresses a crowd of thousands.
2010 Relay For Life Raises $293,000 (so far), LIVINGSTON, May 2, 2010 - The Polk County Relay for life once again raised upwards of $300,000 for cancer research and helping cancer patients. The annual event (9th year in a row for Polk County) underscores the generosity of Polk Countians to dig deep and donate time, resources, and money to a cause that not only helps to fund cancer research, but also goes to help cancer patients who may not have funds for treatment of cancer. This year's theme was "Peace, Love, and Relay" as the theme took on a 1960's flavor. Polk County continues to be number one giver to Relay in the nation per capita. Once again thousands showed up for the relay (at Pedigo Park in Livingston). 2010 Chairman Tammi Ogletree presided over the event that opened up with a prayer from Pastor Berry Jeffries of Central Baptist Church, followed by a brief speech from County Judge, John Thompson. Ogletree also played Ellen Degenerous for the 3rd year in a row. The Ellen Degenerous show featured a friendly singing competition that mimicked the hit show American Idol complete with a panel of judges to critique the singers individually, and eventually picked a winner. As has been the case every year, Polk County Relay for Life 2010 was festive and fun and featured lots of other mini events throughout the night at booths all over the park. Chairman Ogletree did a great job of putting together the event that requires lots of time and lots of volunteers to make it successful. Next year's chairman will be local business woman, Casey Evans who was also highly visible throughout the evening.
Relay volunteer Benny Fogleman (right) gives his wife and his mother a lift around Pedigo Park.
Much ado about something big. Relayers gather prior to the opening ceremony.
Elvis impersonator Rayburn Hance put on a full concert (pictured with Polk County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Nettles).
Elvis rocks the building. Rayburn Hance does an excellent Elvis impersonation and the crowd ate it up.
2010 Chairman Tammi Ogletree points the way and was readily available throughout the evening.
A panel of judges critiqued singers in front of a live audience in Relay Idol.
Singer J.R. Shoemake failed to impress the judges in the Relay Idol singing competition.
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