Relay For Life of Sevier County

Hoops For Heroes 2019

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It was for the pride. It was for the honor. It was for Relay For Life.

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It was the second year that Sevier County First Responders came together to help the SCHS club support Relay For Life of Sevier County.

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I found a safe parking space.

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Fire trucks at the ready.

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The admission price was a great deal for there was a lot of action to see this year.

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We arrived before the games began. Teams were warming up in preparation for their 8 minute battle for basketball dominance.

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Team captains were called to the front to get instructions. Beth Ownby was orchestrating the event and sharing information.

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Michael Maddron, Ben Brabson, and Bryan McCarter were preparing to put the 2nd Annual Hoops For Heroes event into motion.

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There were 5 teams last year and 13 teams this year. It was a crowded floor—which was great for the competition—and for the onlookers. Nonstop action.

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Next, it was time for the players to pose for a quick team photo. The Sevier County Fire Dept, Sevier County Sheriff’s Department, Sevierville Police, and Gatlinburg Police Departments were in good spirits and ready to play.

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More teams are ready to play.

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Sevier County’s finest were ready for the epic battle and the 2019 trophy.

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More teams meant a larger crowd this year—and a very successful event! Honestly, it kinds of looked like a Smoky Bears basketball game.

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Other Relay For Life Teams were present to support the event.

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Teams were introduced in the link above. It is a small moment that I captured on video.

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Play commenced and each team worked hard to advance to the finals.

 

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In the link above, Jamie Roberts scores for the Sevierville Police Department.

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I thought that the concessions were very reasonable and and there was a nice variety. Where can you buy a water for $1?

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This team was fierce!

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This photo composite rests on the wall across from the ladies room. For some reason, I always like looking at it when I pass it by in the hallway.

The 2019 Hoops for Heroes event was a success in many ways. More than double the teams participated this year; consequently, the crowd was larger and the donation was even greater.

I could see that this event is due to the efforts of many people. Thanks to the SCHS Relay For Life members and the sponsors, Ben Brabson and Leslie Mattern. Thanks to Michael Maddron and all the heroes who came to do battle on the basketball court. Thanks go to Bryan McCarter for announcing the games and adding his entertaining commentary. Thanks to Rebecca Cowan, the 2019 Chairperson for Relay For Life in Sevier County and the organization itself for their efforts to fight cancer and give patients resources that they  need for a better life.

I saw several photographers working the event so I sat back and enjoyed the games. As a result, this story is not very long, but I am sharing the link below so you can see all the photos that were uploaded to the Relay For Life Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1103354659867411/1120643591471851/?notif_t=admin_plan_mall_activity&notif_id=1555604285565775

This is a wonderful way for families to get out and about in Sevierville, enjoy sports, and support a noble cause. Save me a seat in the bleachers next year!

MasCUREade Party: 2018 American Cancer Society Night of Hope

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Cancer unites people. Last Thursday evening, a variety of Sevier County citizens came together for the 4th Annual Night of Hope at Harpoon Harry’s in Sevierville. This fund raising event raises money for research to find a cure and resources for families dealing with this disease. As it turned out, this evening was also a chance to share some great news. Here is what I saw at the MasCUREade.

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Sophia Conerly and Rebecca Cowan warmly greeted guests at the door. Rebecca was a Co-Chair for the event this year.

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The evening had a schedule of events so we knew what to expect during the evening.

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Tickets were available to buy for a special auction. You could buy as many as you liked and put them in the box for a desired prize. The drawing would entail only one ticket—and that person would be the winner. So, in other words, you could buy a lot of tickets and place them in one particular box. Statistically, you would have a better chance of winning with more tickets in the box—which adds to the fun.

 

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Tim Kellar and Craig Johnson provided the entertainment for the evening.

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I had never seen an auction tree like this until recently. You bid on the tree which is full of gift certificates. Everything you could like is on this tree. Great idea!

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Carlene Maples and her husband attending the Night of Hope event last Thursday. She just finished her own fund raiser the week before—a fashion show!

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I like silent auction items more and more. I took my time looking over the selections.

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Appetizers lined the bar. Everyone’s favorites were stuffed mushrooms and peel and eat shrimp. Sushi was very popular as well.

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Silent auction items line a table that looks into the dining area for the event.

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Kayla Shelby, from the American Cancer Society, greets the guests and kicks off the event.

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You will never find a better auctioneer than Dale Carr. After two other events this fall, I have learned that the auctioneer plays a large part in determining the success of a live auction. In addition, Dale Carr is always glad to stop the action to take a photo, creating a fun moment.

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At the end of the evening, an important announcement was made to the gathering. After twenty years of hard word, the Relay For Life of Sevier County teams have raised over $4 million dollars for research and resources to help families. This is an incredible amount of money for purely volunteer teams. This was a huge achievement.

I was not in a good position to take this photo so I tried to manage one anyway. At the end of the program, former Relay for Life Event Chairs and Committee members  were asked to step forward for recognition. Relay for Life is powered by volunteers.

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At the end of the evening, Danette Conner-Rolen, event Co-Chair for the Night of Hope, and Kayla Shelby, Senior Manager of Community Development, finalize auction items. It was a very enjoyable evening and a successful local event to help in the battle against cancer.

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Here is a list of sponsors, whose support was greatly appreciated.

 

 

Celebrate and Be Grateful: A Special Speaker for the Smoky Mountain Cancer Support Group

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Celebrate every day and be grateful. That was part of the message from Michael Holtz at this month’s Smoky Mountain Cancer Support Group meeting.    

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 Michael Holtz is a cancer survivor, an advocate for cancer patients, and the State Lead Ambassador for American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Tennessee. (ACSCAN TN) 

He loves his role with ACSCAN because he knows he is making an impact on legislation that matters to cancer patients and in the battle to end cancer.    

Advocacy matters, and it does make a difference.  Because of advocacy, the Federal Government has continued to increase Federal research funding, that includes Cancer research, by $2 billion every year.  Many ACSCAN volunteers are cancer survivors just like Michael and when Legislators see their faces, they realize how important the funding is to the survival of cancer patients.   

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This year, Michael and other ACSCAN volunteers are focusing their energy on the Palliative Care Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA).  Palliative care is comfort at the beginning of treatment, Hospice care is comfort at the end of life.  This Legislation would fund education for medical personnel in the area of pain management, for patients with serious illnesses that result in chronic or acute pain.  Thus bringing comfort to patients and their families during the entire treatment for their cancer diagnosis.   

It has been a 6 year effort to get PCHETA to where it’s at in Congress.  It was passed unanimously by the House and is now in the Senate ready for mark up. This is when the Senate debates, amends, and do any rewrites of the proposed legislation. 

Our own, Senator Alexander has an important role in getting PCHETA to a vote in the Senate. The path to vote for PCHETA starts in his committee and as the Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, he is the one to move it to mark up.  Sen. Alexander listens to his constituents and is a big supporter of cancer research.  As a constituent, you can call his office and ask him to “schedule the Palliative Care Hospice Education and Training Act, Senate Bill 693, for mark up”.   

The phone number for his office in Washington D.C. 202-224-4990 

Michael told the small crowd, “we would like to see the day when no one has to hear the words, you have cancer, and this legislation is a road to that day”.   He and 650+ ACSCAN advocates will converge on Washington D.C. this month to ask Congress to support PCHETA.   

A highlight of the Washington D.C. trip is the Lights of Hope ceremony where thousands of luminaria bags from around the country are lined up around the reflecting pool of the Lincoln Memorial.  The bags are a somber reminder of the far-reaching impact of cancer.  But from the solemness ignites a flame of passion that continues to drive the volunteers.  You can make a statement about cancer with the purchase of a Light of Hope Luminaria. Michael will carry it to Washington D.C. and add it to the others around the Reflecting Pool.  Go to http://action.acscan.org/goto/michaelholtz2018, and make your donation.  Each bags $10 and supports ACSCAN.   The deadline is September 16th. 

The Smoky Mountain Cancer Support Group meets the second Monday of each month, at the My People Senior Activity Center.  All are welcome.  Contact Carlene Maples at carlene.maples@gmail.com, for more information.   

Some Warriors Don’t Carry Weapons: Relay For Life of Sevier County Celebrates 20 Years of Hope

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There are many groups here, but I am sure none work harder than Relay for Life of Sevier County. Relay For Life is an organization with the mission to raise money for cancer research and programming. The Sevier County Relay For Life group has raised over $3.8 million dollars for the American Cancer Society. Last Saturday was a 20 Year Celebration for the local organization—and it was a big one. Follow me downtown Sevierville to see activities during the 12 hour event.

First, I am going to share some of my favorite things for the general public. Then, I will share some things that I saw that will hit close to home for cancer survivors and caregivers. There is something for everyone at a Relay For Life event.

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I was happy to see plenty of parking and chairs, many in the shade. There was a schedule of events posted on Facebook and in the Mountain Press featuring free music and non-stop entertainment. Anyone can come down and enjoy the outdoors with the courthouse and Dolly statue in the backdrop.

 

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Citizens National Bank offered treats and the thrill of a dunking booth. This lady said that the water was a little chilly at the beginning of the day. What a good sport and supporter of Relay For Life.

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There were games and prizes. Surely, this team had the best smiles!

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Sophia and I had lunch from the Norma Dan Monkees team menu. Grilled right there! They chose ‘monkees’ as a name mascot because it is upbeat …and they are just fun!

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Serving burgers to benefit Relay For Life of Sevier County. They were great!

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More games from Tennessee State Bank. The candy pull game looked fun. Popcorn too.

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The crowds were huge at Dollywood so this family stopped by downtown and took advantage of some of the activities. Face painting was very popular.

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More games!

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Inflatables were a big draw for families.

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Low carb snacks. A huge plate for $2 !

There was a large selection of silent auction items. I am bringing more $ next year to do some birthday and Christmas shopping.

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There are only a few Smoky Mountain-Opoly games left. Sheriff Seals supported the Relay For Life event in person, and as a sponsor.

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Author, Missy Barrett, speaking with Tennessee Representative Dale Carr.

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I heard really good music all day. The band pictured above was quite popular. “Priscilla and Little Rickee” came from Chattanooga to play for the Relay For Life event.

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Late in the afternoon, past event Chairs and members of the first steering committee were recognized. These leaders have championed the fight against cancer to help others in Sevier County live better lives.

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With the courthouse in the background, Relay For Life of Sevier County teams receive a check $15,000  from the Smoky Mountain Wine Trail from the Pink Wines and Stomp Out Breast Cancer Walk. An amazing donation!

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I enjoyed the live auction under the direction of Dale Carr. He skillfully guided the bidding until the highest dollar was found.

To see a live auction is truly an amazing thing.

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As the sun set, I was waiting for the Luminaria ceremony to begin. One could donate a luminaria in memory of a loved one or to honor one who had battled cancer. I bought one for a sweet lady who had passed last year.

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During the luminaria ceremony, each person was given a small candle.  The candle would be lit as they called out categories of loved ones affected by cancer. Then, there was a quiet memory walk around the courthouse to reflect on these loved ones.

The moment that the Boyd’s Creek Church of God choir began to sing “Amazing Grace” was somber and touching. I almost did not video this moment because it was so solemn, but I felt that it was important for people to see the beauty and dignity of the remembrance walk. As the choir sang, people took their candles and walked along the luminarias that lined the courthouse.

The Relay For Life of Sevier County teams worked hard for 12 hours to celebrate 20 years of important work that impacts our citizens. This group truly brings hope to those in our county who face the fear of cancer. Many thanks to Emily Kile who stepped out to create the group here 20 years ago when it was relatively unheard of. Thanks to other leaders and committee members who have worked on Relay events over the years. Thanks to the teams who worked so hard last Saturday. Finally, thanks to my friend Sophia Conerly, who has taught me more about this hard working group of people. I have seen them…and they are warriors.

I’ll end this article with some of the sponsors of this event—it would be difficult without their partnership and support.

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Relay For Life +SCHS Host ‘Hoops For Heroes’

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March Madness hit the SCHS gym last Saturday afternoon when local heroes battled it out on the hardwood for bragging rights—and to support one of the hardest working volunteer organizations in Sevier County. It was Hoops for Heroes to benefit Relay For Life.

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I walked in, paid the $5 admission, and said hello to the student volunteers. Many, many concessions were available. Have lunch there when you go next year.

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I was late so games were in full swing by the time I arrived. Six teams competed:  Pigeon Forge Police, Sevierville Police, Sevierville Fire, Pigeon Forge Fire, and two teams from the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department.

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Above is a collage of four of the teams.I missed two of the shirts due to the speed of the players.  😉

Play was divided into 15 minute segments. There was a 5 minute break between games. Competition was fierce. Good recovery here!

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Sevier County High has a Relay For Life student chapter. Some of the organizers for this event were Leslie Mattern, Michael Maddron, and Ben Brabson. Scorekeepers were Beth Ownby and Ben Brabson.

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Officiating was strict! Officials were Scott Ward and Jason Ownby.

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Event co-chairs for the Hoops for Heroes event were Judy Bales (left) and Danette Rolen (right).

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Sevier County Mayor, Larry Waters; Judy Bales, event co-chair; and Brian McCarter support the Hoops for Heroes basketball competition.

The Sevier County Sheriff’s Department team scores a basket.

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My friends, Wendy and Becky, cheering on the Sevierville Fire and Police Department teams.

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Our favorite, Officer Leia Loveday, getting ready to play for the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department.

A battle for the basket by the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department.

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This was just part of the cheering section for the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Seals and his wife Wanda were enjoying the game, especially since they had two teams in the event.

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All eyes are on the ball!

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Becky Roberts and the parents of star player, Jaime Roberts. I saw him hit some three pointers.

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Players in the championship game.

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Relay For Life board members, Carlene Maples and Sophia Conerly enjoyed the event.

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This political message is paid for by Tad Wynn.

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I expected some of the players on the teams to be former high school players due to the skills. As I watched the Pigeon Forge Police Department, a couple of players stood out. I talked to this player at the end and then recognized him. This is Logan McCarter, an SCHS athlete and member of the class of 2013. Fun to watch him play again!

Some former high school hoops players shine on the hardwood.

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Brian McCarter brings his commentator skills to the Relay for Life Hoops for Heroes event. The team nicknames were priceless! (The Budgetbusters?) I am still laughing about that one.

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The scorekeeping was in good hands.

There was strong play in the championship game between the Sevierville and Pigeon Forge Police Departments.

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It was a battle, but the Pigeon Forge Police Department won the championship game; thus, they are the winners of the Hoops for Heroes event. Fierce play!

The Sevier County Sheriff’s Department won the consolation game. Well played!

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Clearly, all participants and volunteers last Saturday were heroes, especially in helping the fight against cancer. If you wanted to find a hero, the SCHS gym was full of them in the picture above. Many thanks to them all.

This was a wonderful, family friendly event and I am so glad that I was able to see some of the games. I will arrive early next time. Be ready for next year because I think that this event will return with teams ready to ‘even the score.’ There may be even more teams. Lawyers? Moonshiners? Stay tuned! Relay for Life’s Hoops for Heroes was one of my favorite things to do this month. It was a good Saturday to get out and about in Sevierville. 

 

 

 

Relay For Life Night of Hope, October 2016

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Relay for For Life of Sevier County and Harpoon Harry’s Crab House presented the second annual Night of Hope on Tuesday evening, October 25, 2016. This was my first Relay for Life event and it won’t be my last. Volunteers work hard in the fight against cancer so it is one of the most important causes that one could join. Here is what it was like.

Janice and I arrived at little after the 6:30 start time and got all the information from our hostesses. The main thing for me to learn— the raffle tickets. There were both live and silent auctions which were easy and fun. In fact, Janice later won horse statuette  for her granddaughter.

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The upstairs part of Harpoon Harrys can be open air in good weather. It was a great place for an event!

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A nice selection of gifts on the silent auction. I had my eye on the gift certificate from Oak Haven Resort, but let someone else get it (since I am already a monthly member there.) It was tempting!

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We heard the music of Stephen Goff playing as we entered the room. I remembered him from the October Art Happening in Downtown Sevierville. Must see him again soon! Find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stephengoffmusic/

 

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Let me say that I have never eaten at Harpoon Harry’s before, but it was pretty incredible. Consequently, my girlfriends and I will now go there for our Christmas get-together since Janice and I get two votes. I have not heard of a ‘welcome table’ but it is the best idea of the year. To start the evening, this was the menu:

Sushi platter- various rolls

Fruit, veggie, cheese, & cracker trays

Peel and eat shrimp

Crab legs

 Cocktail crab claws

Cole slaw

Krab salad

Please know that this was the best spread of cuisine ever! The $50 ticket price stopped right here for me. There was a lot of seafood to enjoy!

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Seasonal decorations and the ‘dry ice’ effect in the glasses. Festive!

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Kevin Ownby and his mother, Beverly Ownby, supporting Relay for Life.

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Kevin’s wife, Brooke Ownby, and her mother Louise Presley supporting Relay for Life of Sevier County .

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One of the auction items was a Palm Breeze Cruiser, donated by Cherokee Distributing Company. If there is another one next year then I must bid!

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This is part of the ‘Tuesday Night Sushi Group’ that meets at Harpoon Harry’s on Tuesday evenings. I must investigate this further some day. Pictured left to right: Fane Fisher, Eddie Fisher, Matt Converse, and Chuck Ottolini. They say that some of the sushi chefs here came from the former Shonos Restaurant in downtown Knoxville. You know that will be good. Save a place for me!

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Mayor Bryan Atchley gave a riveting talk about his experiences with cancer, both personally and with a loved one. It must have been harrowing. I can see where the Relay For Life group gives hope to those fighting the dreaded disease. We need to support them as much as possible.

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We joined the Tuesday Sushi Group and enjoyed the rest of the evening. They know sushi!

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The dinner buffet was ‘over the top.’

Tenderloin tips

Moonshine glazed salmon

Oven roasted chicken

Mashed potatoes

Rice

Baby Carrots

Corn

Green beans

Dessert: Ghirardelli Chocolate Brownie

In my opinion, the meal was worth double the ticket price that I paid. Unbelievable.

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Chocolate, anyone?

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Sophia Conerly, lead event Chair, making announcements. What a great job this team does. Their devotion to the fight against cancer is inspiring.

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Margit and Earl Worsham, pictured here with Sophia Conerly, supporting Relay For Life.

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Who wants to play corn hole? These sets auctioned well.

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The drawings were fast paced and fun to watch.

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If I owned a cabin then these would be on my walls right now.

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Sevier County Bank supporting the Relay For Life Night of Hope. (My bank!)

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My favorite surprise of the evening—meeting Jim Bates, pictured here with Mayor Bryan Atchley. Jim Bates is the father of James and Jeremy Bates, S.C.H.S. alumni. He is visiting from Tampa. I heard Mayor Atchley introducing Coach Bates and had to meet him at the end of the evening. As an intro, I asked,”Are you James Bates dad?” So nice to meet him!

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Janice Sorrell and Jim Bates were teaching at S.C.H.S. at the same time. Janice said that she remembered that he was a young coach straight from U.T. (I won’t mention the year, but the school was very new then.)

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It was soon time to go. I noticed that the weather was still warm for late October as we passed by the open windows at Harpoon Harry’s Crab House. It was such an easy, relaxing, enjoyable event. It is a must-do event each year for me from now on.

The Relay For Life Night of Hope completely exceeded all expectations and I look forward to attending next year. In addition, I hope to do more to help this group in their efforts to fight cancer. Ultimately, the theme of the evening was bravery, dignity, and survival. They deserve everything that we can give them.

You can’t do any better when you are out and about in Sevierville…