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Temple Terrace Relay Event Raises $130,000

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By Joyce McKenzie | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 31, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - Following his first day after a full night's sleep in days, Russ Oberbroeckling, chairman of the 2009 Temple Terrace Relay for Life, couldn't be happier.

The event he and his committee spent weeks preparing for is history. But, best of all, the March 27-28 overnight fundraiser netted $130,000 of its $170,000 goal set by the Tampa office of American Cancer Society.

"Deep down I was hoping we'd reach the goal, but $130,000 is fantastic considering the state of the economy," said Oberbroeckling, who voluntarily took charge of the event for the second time.

"I'm not a doctor, but if I can help in finding a cure by raising money for research toward that end, I feel good about my contribution," said the Temple Terrace resident whose wife, Deanna, and two daughters supported him every step of the way.

Cheryl Hedrick, the American Cancer Society staff person assigned to assist the Temple Terrace committee for the past six years, is proud to represent such a notable group of dedicated volunteers.

"They did a tremendous job this year," she said. "They came up with so many innovative ideas, like garage sales and a bowling event, to raise money despite the bad economy."

Last year's Relay for Life event in Temple Terrace brought in $160,000, more money than any of the 16 such events held throughout the county.

"It's still the largest relay held under the umbrella of our Tampa office," Hedrick said.
Oberbroeckling said this year's opening ceremonies in Temple Terrace brought out more people than he'd ever seen at any previous events.

"Our survey results showed it scored very high among the participants," he said.

Lewis Elementary School took top honors as best campsite; team Go-Go garnered $16,000 in donations, more than any other of the more than 20 teams; and Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union raised $20,000, earning it the distinction of being named the highest corporate fundraiser.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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