Residents were able to get down to the sounds of the past in T.A. Dugger’s auditorium over the weekend.
Performing music from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, the Blue Fox Band was able to raise over $2,500 Saturday night during the third annual Rock Reunion concert to benefit the American Cancer Society and the Relay For Life of Carter County.
“We raised $2,511 and it was incredible,” County Relay For Life Publicity Chair Kathy Thomason said. “That’s the most we’ve raised during any of these concerts. It was the biggest crowd we’ve ever had. It was just an amazing night of music and fun times. I had people come up to me at the end of the concert talking about how great the band was and how they would have loved to see more people out. We had people out of their chairs … it was just great.”
The concert was sponsored by Relay For Life and the Elizabethton High School Class of 1970. Featuring a bevy of local musicians, Blue Fox — comprised of Berry “Corky” Jolly, Randy Campbell, Lee Gouge, Tony Rominger, Jim Bass, John Gardner and company — were able to go through multiple classic hits while spreading the message of how important is it to support the Relay For Life.
“It was a perfect night, honestly,” Thomason said. “I know how important this cause is to the band. Each of them have been affected by cancer and have been very vocal about doing what they can to help out. I can’t say enough about them and for everybody that made Saturday night happen. “
Seeing the support from the community was also a special sight, according to the publicity chair.
“From my perspective, it was just great to see everybody come together,” she said. “When you have somebody you know that’s battled with cancer, you know the importance of these events. The importance of each dollar that’s raised.”
Following Saturday’s performance, Relay For Life of Carter County is at the $12,500 mark for the 2017 Relay season. Thomason added that the number is nice, but there’s still work to be done for the upcoming Relay For Life night — Friday, June 23, at T.A. Dugger.
“We still have a long ways to go,” she said. “Every dollar is appreciated.”
Relay For Life is in the planning phases of setting up a special movie night at the State Line Drive-In on April 13. The current idea is to have a family-friendly movie showing for the public and accept donations throughout the night. Thomason added that final details on the event are expected in the coming days.
Relay For Life will also hold their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, April 6, at 5:45 p.m. at Medical Care’s office in Elizabethton. Thomason said the event is geared toward individuals looking to create a team or new teams looking to make an impact for the coming year.
Leading up to Relay night, the county chapter will be sharing stories of survivors and how the American Cancer Society is making strides for a cure.
Citizens can visit relayforlife.org/cartertn to make a donation to the cause. Thomason also added the public can make donations by getting in touch with a Relay For Life team member or they can provide a donation at Thursday’s meeting.
For more information on how to get involved, visit the Relay For Life of Carter County, Tn Facebook page or contact Thomas at (423) 543-1181.