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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: January 14, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - For the past couple of years the American Cancer Society's annual Temple Terrace Relay for Life fundraiser has brought in the most donations of any other single relay in the county.

"For a city with a relatively small population, that's really impressive," said Cheryl Hedrick, an ACS community representative. She has worked with its volunteer organizers for five of the seven years the relay has taken place in Temple Terrace.

"They really represent a group that's dedicated to taking up the cause," she said.

Last year the event netted $162,000, but 2009 Temple Terrace Relay for Life Chairman Russ Oberbroeckling would like to top that amount this year, which marks the 25th year since Relay for Life was inaugurated in the state of Washington.

Toward that end, he and his committee have come up with an idea that has never been tried before - selling pole banners announcing the March 27-28 event at Greco Middle School to businesses, families and individuals. Each will have space to tout the name of the purchaser or to honor or memorialize a friend or family member who has either survived cancer or succumbed to the disease.

Priced at $250 each, the 90-by-30-inch purple banners will be displayed throughout the month of March along 56th Street and Fowler Avenue. There are 90 available and the deadline for purchasing them is Feb. 1.

"People driving through town will know that Temple Terrace is doing their part to fight cancer," Oberbroeckling said. "Our family will be purchasing a banner. This is a good way for our kids to have a tangible way to show their support and we hope that spurs other families and businesses to do the same."

So far, Tampa Bay Technical High School, Terrace Sports, Corpus Christi Catholic Church and the Henry's Angels Relay for Life team have pledged to purchase banners.

Anita and David Long, owners of Business Ink Printing, also have placed their banner order.

"The banners are just another way to get the message out and everybody can be a part of it," said David Long, a past relay chairman. "Anything we can do to find a cure for this dreadful disease is what we all should be doing."

Susan Knapp, who especially enjoys participating in the event because of its focus on cancer survivors, is handling application requests.

"I think everybody has a special story on why they support relay and that's mine," said Knapp, who is aware of the research money needed to find a cure for cancer.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED

WHAT: Temple Terrace Relay for Life banners

COST: $250 each

DEADLINE: Feb. 1

CONTACT: Suzanne Knapp at (813) 842-8373 or e-mail her at suzannemarie@tampaby .rr.com for an application.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-489.

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