By John I. Carney

Staff Writer

Thursday's Relay For Life Celebrity Waiter Luncheon raised about $2,685 for the American Cancer Society, according to Harriett Stewart, a staff partner for the cancer society.

The luncheon was held at Lewisburg Recreation Center. Tables for the event were purchased by various local organizations. Each table's "celebrity waiter" tried to cajole his or her customers into giving tips for the cancer society, and each table sponsor provided a centerpiece, such as a gift basket, to be auctioned off during the luncheon.

Event chair Leah Campbell had to step in as auctioneer when the professional who'd been scheduled had to cancel at the last minute. Campbell said she was "very pleased" with the event, noting that it's sometimes hard for professionals to attend a midday event like a luncheon.

"We never know what to expect," she said.

The most popular auction item came from the Lewisburg Police Department -- a gift basket contining an iPad Mini and signed Tennessee Titans memorabilia that brought $575 at auction.

Although the American Cancer Society is largely known for funding research, Stewart told the assembled crowd that it also provides patient services such as the nationwide network of Hope Lodge facilities, one of which is located in Nashville. Hope Lodge provides a home away from home for patients undergoing cancer treatment, where patients and caregivers can stay overnight, cook their own meals, and fellowship with peers. Stewart said numerous Marshall County patients have used the Nashville Hope Lodge over the years and encouraged luncheon attendees to visit the facility when in Nashville.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's year-round community-based fund-raising program. It refers both to the actual overnight Relay event and to various team and committee fund-raising held year-round to support the event.

Marshall County's Relay For Life event will be held from 7 p.m. Friday, June 7, until 7 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at Marshall County Expo Center on Robin Hood Road. Teams of walkers, who raise money both prior to and during the event, will take the track. Each team must have at least one walker on the track at any given moment throughout the 12-hour event. Teams may be of any size and may divide the responsibility for walking any way they wish. The public is also encouraged to attend, to patronize the teams' concession booths and to view special events such as the luminaria ceremony which is a candlelight tribute to those lives which have been lost to, or touched by, cancer.

Upcoming events for Relay for Life include a Benefit Luncheon on Thursday, May 9, in the First National Bank Community Room, 1190 North Ellington Parkway, with food from Lawler's Barbecue. RSVP by Monday, May 6, by calling Donna Giles at 359-5900. There will also be a 5K Run/Walk to benefit Relay for Life in Cornersville at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 18, hosted by CB&S Bank. Registration forms can be picked up at Cornersville Town Hall or CB&S Bank.

For more information about Relay For Life, go to relayforlife.org/marshalltn or call (615) 516-0807.