Cancer OverComers' Walk deemed a success

MANNING - With a gentle breeze blowing, temperatures in the low 90s and just a few fluffy white clouds floating across a blue sky, the first Clarendon County Cancer OverComers' Walk was a monumental success.

"It was wonderful," said CCCOC Vice President Mary Howard. "Everyone said they had a great time. The day was perfect. The food was delicious. I just want to thank everyone who made the day possible. We couldn't have done it without all the hard work that Deputy Annett Smith put into it. I also want to thank Sheriff Baxley for his support."

Pat Fenters echoed Howard's comments on the walk.

"We had a great day for a walk," Fenters said. "We were blessed. I was glad to see so many OverComers and their families attend the event. Also, Annett Smith I can't say enough about all the work and time she spends working on these events. She is truly one of God's servants."

More than 300 Cancer OverComers along with their caregivers, family members, friends and generous sponsors attended the three-hour celebration that was dedicated in memory of the late Judge James Dingle, who had been a generous supporter of the Clarendon County Cancer Support Group and the Clarendon County Cancer OverComers. Brief remarks were given by OverComers Fenters and Howard, Clarendon County Sheriff Tim Baxley, Sen. Kevin Johnson and Chairman of Clarendon County Council Dwight Stewart Jr. A mother and daughter duo, Linda and Shelley Richburg, sang the national anthem. The Richburgs are also OverComers.

After a walk around the track at J.C. Britton Park, the crowd settled in for some delicious food that was free to everyone due to the generous support of more than 50 local individuals, churches, civic and school organizations and businesses. Local individuals and groups also manned the grills cooking everything from hotdogs to fish, chicken and an entire barbecued pig that was donated by a local church group.

More than a dozen corporate signs that were donated by local businesses were displayed throughout the park.

Each OverComer that registered for the event was given a free T-shirt due to donations from the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office, Inv. Holmes N. Smith Jr. Foundation Inc., HopeHealth, Santee Leasing Inc./Jim Black, Huebee's Transportation LLC, FTC, St. Peter's Masonic Lodge No. 54, 1st Choice Contractors, Sparrow & Kennedy Tractor Co., Clarendon Health & Wellness Center, Clarendon County School District Three and Clarendon County School District One.

Walk T-shirts and baseball caps with cancer ribbons on the front were also sold with all the proceeds benefiting the CCCOC. Caps are still available for purchase by calling Smith at (803) 435-4414.

Following the lunch, a luminary service was held with Baxley reading the names listed on the luminaries that were placed around the venue. The Clarendon County Sheriff's Office donated purple balloons that were tied to each luminary.

Smith ended the event with thanks to everyone who attended and a special thanks to everyone who made donations of food, money, products and time.

"I just want to thank everyone who made today possible," Smith said. "When you see someone who purchased a sign, donated money for the T-shirts, donated food or time for the event, please stop and tell them thank you. Without them, having an all-free event would not have been possible."