By Richard Lykes Special to the Rappahannock News For

By Richard Lykes

Special to the Rappahannock News

For at least the past six years, inspired by the dedication and hard work of Ester Settle and her many volunteers, Rappahannock County has joined with the American Cancer Society to sponsor annual “Relay for Life” celebrations. This year’s event, under the leadership of Tamara Waldo and her team of countless volunteers, was both successful and inspiring in many ways.

Seventeen team captains with some 100 volunteers raised some $56,000 for this year’s campaign. Ester Settle came in as top team fundraiser. Other team leaders who raised significant funds for the Relay were Dana Atkisson, James Kilby, Carolyn Leake, Tommy Leake, Ellen Timbers, Gail Timbers, Frances Timbers, Tamara Settle, Tamara Waldo, and Carolyn Williams. Over the years, Rappahannock County has raised over $400,000, a record for a small community of only 7,200 citizens.

Support from the business community in Rappahannock County also was important to the success of this event. Specifically mentioned were such firms as Sunnyside Farms, Kreyling Construction, Nora Harrington Paintings, Sam Snead Realty, and Oasis CD Manufacturing.

Special thanks also was directed to the Rappahannock County Sheriff’s Office, the Rappahannock County Volunteer Rescue Squad, the Rappahannock Lions Club, and Reverend Phil Bailey of the Washington Baptist Church for donating their time and assistance for Relay activities.

It is not too late to make a contribution, even now. Anyone who would like to contribute to the Rappahannock Relay for Life can send a donation payable to the American Cancer Society and mail it to the Rappahannock Event Chair, Tamara Waldo, at P.O. Box 424, Orlean, VA 20198

“I hope this event will encourage my neighbors and friends in the county to participate in this important life saving event. One