Spring Fling a success

By MARK BROSS
For the Courier-Post

PALMYRA - The “Flower Children” team of the American Cancer Societys Relay For Life of Marion County hosted its eighth successful “Spring Fling” on May 3. The event was attended by more than 400 people and was held at the American Legion Hall -Post No. 174 in Palmyra. The night’s activities included dinner, silent and live auctions.
Due to the overwhelming generosity once again of the Palmyra, Hannibal, Quincy and surrounding communities through donations and sponsorship of the “Spring Fling” activities, the support of those attending and the hard work of the team members and volunteers, the event raised a record amount (for the eighth time) of more than $50,000, with the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.   Special thanks go out from the Flower Children to all that make this event a fun-filled and rewarding evening each and every year. The support of the Palmyra and surrounding communities is truly quite amazing.
HATS Restaurant of Palmyra catered the dinner. Keller and Browning Auction Service conducted the live auction. This once again led to an evening with a very festive atmosphere.
Local and regional merchants along with several individuals donated more than 300 items for both the live and silent auctions. Items ranged from tickets to sporting events such as NASCAR, the Indianapolis 500, Rams, Chiefs, Cardinals, Royals, Cubs, White Sox, Mizzou/Illini football and basketball and Quincy Gems to certificates for hotel packages and Branson shows. Items also included autographed sports memorabilia, household necessities, gift certificates for meals and services, auto care products, as well as, furniture and hand-crafted items and unique, one of a kind wood-working creations.  There was something available for everyone.  Many of the items could be viewed prior to “Spring Fling” in Palmyra at J’s Salon, Glenn Griesbaum’s building (formerly Edwards Karate) and Pro Active Chiropractic Center on Main Street, Exchange Bank and Pamida on U.S. 61 and other businesses.
A unique feature at this year’s Spring Fling was the chance to win a .415 CT diamond pendant valued at $1,500 which was donated by Bob Heiser and Crescent Jewelry Company of Hannibal. Individuals could purchase throughout the evening one of 100 Relay For Life cups. Later in the evening, the reigning Miss Marion County, Allison Wright, drew the winning number of the pendant.  Bob Heiser, who was in attendance, was given a special round of applause for his generous donation.
One of the big hits of the evening was the auctioning of the playhouse with slide constructed and donated by Dr. Bill Wommack and Agri-Med Veterinary Clinic of Palmyra. This unique item brought $1,800 the first time it was auctioned. Through the generosity of the high bidder, Chester and Mary Bross, the playhouse was donated back to the Spring Fling event and auctioned again. This time the playhouse raised an additional $1,800, when it was ultimately purchased by former Palmyra resident, Steve Henry. Special thanks were given to all of the parties involved for the money raised on this wonderful item.
A silent auction was held during the social hour and dinner featuring several items donated by various businesses and individuals. The silent auction groupings offered attendees 40-plus different chances to purchase quality merchandise and services from numerous donating organizations and individuals. A lot of fun was had by bidders upping the high bid on the items after seeing their previous bid being outdone.
A special guest in attendance was Mark Hemm of Quincy. Mark was given special thanks for his donation of a handcrafted oak chest-seat on which the Flower Children are selling donation-giveaway chances tickets of $1 each or six for $5. The drawing for this beautiful piece will be held at the Marion County Fair during the week of July 27. The winner does not need to be present to win.
ARAMARK Laundry of Quincy provided the linens for the tables which were decorated with 40 donated centerpieces from Flower City Florist of Palmyra. Just like previous years, the generosity of Flower City Florist and the event participants shined through as the center pieces were auctioned later in the evening, raising more than $1,000 of the total amount collected. Special thanks and recognition was given to Ginny Kuntemeyer of Flower City Florist for being such a strong supporter of Spring Fling.
“Spring Fling” sponsors also included A & S Printing Service (Palmyra & Monroe City); Ducks Unlimited Committee, Masterpiece Sign, and Pamida, all of Palmyra; Central Welding Supply and Refreshment Services Pepsi of Quincy; Pick-a-Dilly Convenience Stores (Hannibal and Palmyra); and Iva’s Printing, Picture Perfect Gallery & Framing and Golden Eagle Distributing, all of Hannibal.  Their contributions helped to make the night a huge success.
Prior to the start of the live auction, Lori Rupp, an American Cancer Society “Hero of Hope,” inspired the crowd with her personal story of hope and survival in her fight against cancer. She reminded the audience of the importance of early prevention in the fight against cancer and how it helped save her life. Her emotional call for the support of the American Cancer Society and its work through research and programs for cancer patients was heard by the crowd as they responded with another record setting Spring Fling event.
If you were unable to attend Spring Fling and would like to make a contribution to The Flower Children and the ACS, please contact Mark Bross at (573) 769-2365 or log-on the internet to www.events.cancer.org/rflmarionmo, click the “Donate to a Team” tab and search for The Flower Children Team 1 or click the team name on the right of the screen under “Top Teams” and then click the “Donate” icon and follow the instructions. The Flower Children thank you in advance for your support.
 Everyone was invited to attend the Marion County Relay For Life event from 7 p.m. on June 6 until 12 p.m. June 7, which will take place at Flower City Park in Palmyra.  All area survivors are encouraged to attend a Survivor‚s Reception at the Park at 6 p.m. and then participate in the Survivor‚s Lap which will kick off the Relay at 7 p.m.
Relay For Life is the national signature activity of the American Cancer Society, and is a “happening” with a community, family and team-building atmosphere.  Everyone is invited to come and join the Relay teams for a good time to raise money for a good cause.  For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at (573) 221-4660.