The Scotland County Area 2007 Relay For Life was recently recognized by the American Cancer Society as number one in the nation for per capita fundraising.

The award honors the Relay For Life that raises the most funds per capita in their population group. More than 4,300 Relay For Life events were held in the United States in 2008.

Stewart and Carol Thomas, who have chaired the Scotland County Area Relay since its beginning in 1997 are estatic about the award.

“We are amazed at this community and the support they give to Relay for Life and The American Cancer Society, Carol Thomas said. "Our businesses, volunteers, and survivors work tirelessly for the cause and we want to thank them all. Our efforts will continue and we all hope to one day see a cure for cancer.”

The 2007 Scotland County Area Relay For Life raised in excess of $275,000. More than 380 survivors participated in the opening lap of the event, which earned the Scotland County Area Relay the Power of Hope Award from the American Cancer Society. Thirty-eight teams participated in the overall event.

In 2008, the amount raised in Scotland County exceeded $300,000. Awards for 2008 Relay events will be announced in November 2009. ,

Relay For Life is anovernight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer. Teams of eight to 15 members gather with tents and sleeping bags to participate in the largest fundraising event in the nation.

“The funds raised through Relay For Life events like the one in Scotland County enable the American Cancer Society to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through research, education, advocacy and patient services,” said Linda Burney, Community Income Manager for the Society's South Atlantic Division. “Thanks to the generosity of our volunteers and donors, the money raised by Relay For Life participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving programs.”

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. For information about cancer call, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 1-800-ACS-2345 or log on to HYPERLINK "http://www.cancer.org" www.cancer.org.

For information about the 2009 Scotland County Area Relay for Life, call (910) 276-5247.