Spring Fling raises $65,000 for ACS

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by Mark Bross

The “Flower Children” team of the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life hosted its 21st annual Spring Fling Saturday evening.  

Over 325 people attended the event held at the American Legion Hall – Post #174 in Palmyra.  

The night’s activities included dinner, raffles, silent and live auctions as well as a chance for those in attendance to help celebrate 21 years of Spring Fling. 

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 over $65,000 for the American Cancer Society.  

H.A.T.S. Restaurant of Palmyra catered the dinner, and George Keller once again conducted the live auction.  

It was an evening filled with a festive atmosphere of giving and fun with games, prizes, and chance to support Relay For Life and those affected by cancer.

The theme for the night was “Get In The Game” as The Flower Children teamed up with Blessing Health System to encourage everyone to get regularly scheduled cancer screenings.  

Those in attendance who have been getting their screenings were encouraged to enter in a raffle sponsored by Blessing Health System to win a $500 cash prize.  

“Commercials” throughout the night and an “entertaining” halftime show stressed the importance of recommended cancer screenings and how early detection helps in the treatment of cancer.

Local and regional merchants along with several individuals donated over 300 items for both the live and silent auctions.

 

Items ranged from great tickets to sporting events such as NASCAR, Chiefs, Cardinals, Royals, MU Tigers football, and St. Louis City SC to certificates for hotel packages and Branson shows.  

An autographed Travis Kelce jersey donated by Dr. Adrienne Lynn and the UPS Store of Quincy, autographed Skylar Thompson items donated by Skylar Thompson and Eric Churchwell, bottles of Old Rip Van Winkle (Pappy’s) and Old Forester Birthday bourbon donated by Niemann Foods/County Market, a Weller Total Bourbon Experience donated by George and Ann Keller, and an original painting done on site by local artist, Stephen Walker, were just a few more of the auction items.  

The auction also included 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.  

A unique feature at this year’s Spring Fling was the chance to win a .14KT white gold diamond pendant set with a .71KT marquise diamond on a 20”, 14KT white gold chain valued at over $3,800 which was donated once again by Donna Heiser and Crescent Jewelry Company of Hannibal.  

Throughout the evening, individuals could purchase a raffle cup and place their name in the drawing.  

Those raffle cups could be filled with “special drinks” donated by El Nopal Mexican Restaurant.  

Later in the evening, the winning name was drawn, and Harla Friesz was the excited winner.  

Donna Heiser, who was in attendance, was given a special round of applause for this generous donation.

During the social hour and dinner, a silent auction was held featuring several items donated by various businesses and individuals. 

The silent auction groupings offered attendees 25-plus different chances to purchase quality merchandise and services from numerous donating organizations and individuals.  

Those participating in the silent auction had a lot of fun upping the high bid on the items after seeing their previous bid being outdone.

ARAMARK Laundry of Quincy provided the linens for the tables which were decorated with donated centerpieces from Flowers For You of Palmyra.  

“Spring Fling” sponsors also included the American Cancer Society; Lewis & Marion County Cattlemen and Ken Disselhorst; A & S Printing Service (Palmyra and Monroe City): Bud’s Paint & Body, Exchange Bank of NE Missouri, HOMEBANK, Mercantile Bank, Palmyra Spectator, Palmyra Booster Club, all of Palmyra; Popp’n on Maine and Refreshment Services Pepsi, both of Quincy; and Iva’s Printing of Hannibal.  

Those 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.relayforlife.org/marioncomo and click the “Donate” icon at the top of the page.  

Enter “The Flower Children” in the “Search by participant or team” box, click search, click the link for “Team:  The Flower Children” (Palmyra, MO), and follow the instructions to complete your donation.