Valentine dance raises $1,000 for BI Relay for Life

Bill and Tammie Gist, owners of Manila Family Music, Donnie and Sharon McKinney, and the Backward Boys Band sponsored a Valentine Day Dance to benefit the Buffalo Island American Cancer Relay for Life on Saturday night.

It was a full house for the benefit dance. In addition to great music and dancing, competition was held for Hats for a Cure, and a variety of items donated by businesses and individuals made up the silent auction.

Decorated hats were on display and people placed their vote with donations. The hat raising the most money was the winner.

"We had 16 hats in the competition and they were all very creative," Brenda Matheny, BI Relay chairman, said.

Several of the hats were donated for an auction to raise money. One of the winning hats, made by Michelle Wheeler, brought $150.

Other hat winners included Judy Hampton and Tammie Gist.

A percentage of the door and proceeds from the silent and live auction were donated to the BI Relay for Life. Roses were also sold during the evening.

Also on hand for the event was Jackie Wallis, community representative.

Wallis and Matheny expressed their appreciation to everyone who helped with the event.

"This is our 10th year," Matheny said. "Teams have several fund-raising events scheduled."

The next Buffalo Island Relay for Life meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at the Leachville Community Center.

"Anyone interested in being part of the Relay for Life is welcome," Matheny said.

This year's event will carry a sports theme.

A Relay for Life Cookbook is being compiled and anyone who would like to have a recipe included may do so by submitting it to any committee member, or at the Town Crier office in Manila or Leachville City Hall.