CCH Fifth Annual Relay For Life Bike Run biggest yet [Claiborne County Progress, Tazewell, Tenn.]

Aug. 07--The bikes kept coming for Claiborne County Hospital's Fifth Annual Bike Run, making it the biggest one ever.

The Bike Run, held on July 28, was a huge success. There was a wonderful turnout in spite of the heat with 140 bikes participating. Several hospital employees and other volunteers helped with the event, which raised over $6500 for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

"Thanks to all the bikers who came out to support and participate in our ride," said CCH Administrator Tim Brown. "With your help and support in events such as this, research can be done and hopefully a cure can be found."

Scott Evans with the American Cancer Society was also present and thanked everyone for participating and supporting the event.

This year's ride was dedicated to the memory of Charlotte Swiger, mother of CCH employee Janie McAfee, who lost her battle with cancer in 2011. It was also held in honor of Betsy Maples, Claiborne County Hospital employee, who is a cancer survivor and also in honor of Kayla Russell Baker, a cancer survivor.

"We would like to thank all of our sponsors, and offer a special thanks to Old Town Grill for the use of their parking lot and facility and to Luke Curry for helping organize and lead the ride," said Team Captain Mary Smith. "It is a big responsibility to lead that many bikes safely and Luke did a fantastic job. Also, we appreciate Johnny Collingsworth for his help and support as well as each of the blockers. With their help, everyone had a fun and safe ride in spite of the heat."

Major sponsors were: Old Town Grill, Wells Fargo Insurance, Cline Excavating, Trinity Benefit Advisors, Dr. Melvin Donesky, Team Health Atlantic, Catdaddy's Market, Salon TLC, Jeffers Exterminating, Edwards Excavating and Lookout Towers.

Door prize and auction item sponsors were: B & C Paving, Cedar Grove Marina, Advance Auto Parts -- Tazewell, Boot Barn Apparel and Tack, Knoxville Harley Davidson, Arthur Entertainment Vending, Lottery & More,Pizza Inn, In Shape Women's Fitness, Advance Auto Parts -- Maynardville, Home Federal, Tennessee Iron Cycle Sales and Service, AutoZone, Fastenal, Straight Creek Boat Dock, Ball's Hardware, Lazy Day's Tobacco, Sonic, P J's Salon, His and Hers Salon and Spa, Springdale BP, Frostee Freeze, Lone Mountain Boat Dock, Movie 1, Classic Leathers, Brooks Home Improvement, Jessee and Janie McAfee, Subway and Castrol Express Lube.

"Our bike ride seems to get bigger and better each year and we are already looking forward to next year," said Smith. "We also want to thank Tazewell City Police and Claiborne County Sheriff's Department for their help and support, especially Sgt. Eddie Hurley and Deputy Philip Stubblefield who escorted and rode with us the entire ride. There are too many people to mention personally but it takes a lot of teamwork to make this event happen. We appreciate each and every person who helped in any way in this event."

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(c)2012 the Claiborne County Progress (Tazewell, Tenn.)

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