As the 2009 Relay for Life (RFL) Washington-Wilkes gains momentum, the RFL planning committee and the American Cancer Society (ACS) proudly recognize the businesses, organizations and individuals who have offered their support through corporate sponsorship. "PROUD SPONSOR" signs represent sponsorship at the platinum, gold and silver levels. Other opportunities to provide support to Relay for Life include but are not limited to survivor tote bags, underwriting the survivor dinner, event programs, donations to the silent auction and fund-raisers. Additional sponsors are signing up daily. Current sponsors are:

In Kind WLOV Radio, W-W Parks & Recreation, The News-Reporter.

Platinum

Wills Memorial Hospital, Farmers State Bank.

Gold

Barnett Southern Corporation, Farmers and Merchants Bank, Pliant Corporation, Poss Ace Hardware, Ruffin Flag Company, Springfield Baptist Church, Twin Oak Baptist Church.

Silver AFG-USA, Anthony Forest Prod- ucts, Auto Plus of Washington, Badcock and More Home Furniture, Bennett, Davidson & Associates LLP, CH2M HILL OMI, Callaway Farms, CareSouth, CSRA Home Health Agency, CSRA Private Duty Inc., The Church of the Mediator, Denard & Moore Construction, Fareway Building Supply, Fievet Pharmacy, Georgia Realty Sales, Amy & Jeff Treadwell and Family, LaCabana Mexican Restaurant, Lannae Construction, Randall Family, Rayle EMC, Regions Bank, Restore Galore, Scarborough's, Sim Dill Jr.-Master Contractor LLC, Tena's Jewelry & Gift Shop, Washington Wilkes Ventures LLC, Washington Women's Club, Wilkes County Cattlemen's Assn., Wilkes Eye Center, Wilkes Telephone & Electric Company.

Relay for Life fund-raising contributes significantly to the great strides being made in the fight against cancer. New cancer drugs are being developed through American Cancer Society funded research grants. Public awareness in early cancer detection is being provided. Advocacy groups are working diligently to promote cancer-related legislation. Expansion of cancer patient services is a one of the major focuses of the grass roots efforts.

Relay for Life is truly about a community that takes up the fight. The invaluable commitment of these corporate sponsors gives us all hope, especially those of us with cancer. Thank you to those who are offering their support to this important fundraising event.

Anyone interested in joining this list of corporate sponsors may contact Buzzy Randall at 706-678-2083 or Cathy Lannae at 706-678-2862.

The Washington-Wilkes Relay for Life event is scheduled for May 1-2, 2009, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. at the Washington-Wilkes Parks and Recreation track. Come join in to CELEBRATE those on the cancer journey, REMEMBER those lost to cancer and FIGHT BACK by becoming an advocate in the effort to find a cure for cancer.