While many local residents were tucked away in their bedsenjoying a peaceful night’s rest, hundreds of others were takingturns making laps at the Brookhaven Exchange Club Park to raisemoney for a good cause.

The Lincoln and Lawrence County Relay for Life brought 31energetic teams to the park from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturdayto raise money for the American Cancer Society.

“Everybody was fired up all night long,” said Donna McGehee,co-chairman. “Each team was cheering on their team members walkingon the track.”

McGehee noted that a “good time was had by all” who participatedin the night filled with activities and entertainment.

Most importantly, though, was that while participants enjoyedthemselves, they also raised more money than last year’s total of$62,000.

“We beat our total from last year with $66,462, and we stillhave some more that hasn’t been turned in,” said McGehee, who wasoverwhelmed by the results.

Delois McClelland was the individual who raised the most moneywith $2,033. King’s Daughters Medical Center received top honorsfor the team to collect the most money. They raised $5,953, and thesecond place team, Trustmark National Bank, brought in $5,219.

One Family United Against Cancer, made up of several familymembers who have been affected by the deadly disease, won the awardfor having the most educational tent site and for the most moneyraised by a team per capita. The Department of Human Services teamgrabbed second place in that category.

McGehee was grateful for all the support local residents showedby raising such a large amount of money to fund cancer researchprojects and other beneficial programs.

“We had a good crowd, and everybody had a good time. It was justa real successful event,” she said.

Pleasant Grove Methodist Church won awards for best team spiritand for having the most members present at 6 a.m., the sunriseaward.

Mississippi Juvenile Rehabilitation Center received awards forthe best tent site, best stick horse and most laps, while the bestbaton award went to Jackson Street United Methodist Church.

State Bank and Trust was recognized for the best t-shirt design,a creative one similar to the popular television show”Survivor.”

McGehee was thankful for the help of co-chairman Gladys Dunaway;the Boy Scouts, who helped prepare the luminary bags; John Davis,the event’s master of ceremonies; Becky Morgan for collectingteams’ funds; and Tyler Bridge for lining up the entertainment.

“I’d also like to thank the Brookhaven Exchange Club forallowing us to have it at the park and all the business who donatedfood and supplies,” said McGehee.

She sent a special thank you to Mike and Whitney Douglas andBobby and Maxine McGehee, who stayed after the event to help cleanup the park.