Harlem plans bigger cancer fund-raiser
Harlem wants to make this year's Relay for Life bigger and better than last year's.
More than 60 survivors and 12 teams took to the Harlem High School track last June in the city's first Relay for Life event, which raised more than $21,000 - $16,000 over their $5,000 goal.
"We were very surprised and very pleased," said Jean Dove, city manager and relay co-chairwoman both years.
Working with Julie Tollison, community income manager for the local American Cancer Society office, event organizers set a goal of $30,000 this year, which Dove intends to meet. Tollison has faith in the city's teams.
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"Knowing how well they did last year, I know they can do it," Tollison said. "They are well on their way to definitely making $30,000. I know they will exceed their goal. I know they are going to blow it out of the water."
The 16 teams participating in this year's event have come up with some creative fund-raisers. Ollie's Army - the city's team captained by Councilman John Thigpen - organized the Traveling Toilet, which was an actual toilet that was placed in someone's yard for 24 hours for $10. The two-month fund-raiser raised $820, Dove said.
Other teams are holding bingo games, spaghetti suppers, movie nights and even a Night with Elvis at Harlem High School on April 12 organized by the Petal Pushers team.
"They are on fire this year," Tollison said. "They are having fun with it."
Tollison said huge community involvement is the key to a successful relay and is typical for smaller cities such as Harlem.
"Being a small community and having so many energetic volunteers, they just did a wonderful job their first year," Tollison said. "I think the small towns really come together and everybody gets behind it and it becomes a major communitywide event."
The Harlem relay is scheduled to begin Friday, April 25, at the Harlem High School track and will continue to Saturday morning, Dove said. Team members, led by head Harlem Fire Department firefighter David Bullard, are planning entertainment for the night.
For more information, call Jean Dove or Kathy Sparks at 556-3448.
Harlem Relay for Life team fund-raisers
Relay for Life Golf Tournament
Ollie's Army
March 29
Three Oaks Gold Course
8 a.m. shotgun start
$30 per person/$120 per four-man team
For more information or to register, call Kathy Sparks at 556-3448.
Harlem Trash to Treasures
Several teams selling items and food
April 5, 8 a.m. to noon
Lot beside the Harlem United Methodist Church
No charge for vendors.
For more information or to reserve a booth, call Kathy Sparks at 556-3448.
Movie-A-Thon
Ollie's Army
April 9, 1 and 3 p.m.
The Laurel and Hardy Museum of Harlem, Georgia
$10 includes G or PG rated movie, popcorn and drink
For more information, call Kathy Sparks at 556-3448.
A Night with Elvis
Petal Pushers
April 12, 7 to 9 p.m.
Harlem High School
Tickets cost $7 in advance or $10 at the door.
For more information or tickets, call Leona Holley at 556-6979.
Jail-N-Bail
Ollie's Army
April 22
Harlem Police Department jail
$10 to put someone in jail; $50 to get out
For more information, call Kathy Sparks at 556-3448.