Four local businesses — Andalusia Regional Hospital, Covington Electric Cooperative, Darby’s Village Pharmacy and PowerSouth Energy Corporation — are sharing the “title sponsor” spot for Covington County’s Relay for Life event, set for May 8, Relay chairman Ressie Gray said Wednesday.

“Our community has come together in so many ways this past week, and it’s wonderful,” Gray said. “Four companies have come together to share our Title Sponsorship this year. This event does so much to raise awareness about cancer and the effects the disease has on people. We couldn’t accomplish our local goal without this local support.”

Gray said in response to a recent plea for more teams, an additional four groups have signed up to participate this year.

AFLAC/South Central Agency, Liberty National, Andalusia High School and Drs. King and Burkhardt have joined teams from Covington Electric Cooperative, Andalusia Manor, Red Level School, Women’s Health, Straughn High School, Opp High School Student Government Association, Superior Bank, Sitel and the City of Andalusia.

“That brings our total up within six teams of our 16 team goal,” Gray said. “And there’s still time if people want to join. Relay is a community event that brings survivors, caregivers and compassionate people together to help fight this dreaded disease, and we need all the help we can get.”

Gray said the American Cancer Society helped her family several years ago, so she knows firsthand the benefits of the organization.

“So if we can raise money to help one person that is fighting the battle with cancer, you never know the impact it will have on his or her life as well as the life of their family,” she said. “You never know when it may be your family that we are helping.”

Relay fund-raising events are also in full swing, she said.

“This year’s theme is ‘Paint the County Purple,’ and we’re doing our best to blanket the county with purple bows,” she said. “Those can be purchased from any committee or team member or on April 3, when we have the first Relay on the Square event.”

Gray said “Relay on the Square” is a great opportunity for people to come and see what Relay is all about.

“Maybe you can’t come on May 8,” she said. “If not, that day is perfect to come out and support Relay. Many of the teams will be there selling their fund-raising items. The city of Andalusia’s city hall administration team will be selling lunch — and for only $5.”

The day’s lunch will consist of grilled hamburger, chips and a drink or two hot dogs, chips and a drink. Also, the team is holding a plant sale Fri., April 3, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and Sat., April 4, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the courthouse square. The sale will include a variety of plants, including annuals, grasses, perennials and tropicals.

Currently, there are several Relay fundraisers ongoing. The most recent, the City of Andalusia Leisure Services “BINGO” held Saturday, was a success with more than $1,400 in prizes given away.

The fun will continue March 21 and 28 at the Adult Activity Center beginning at 6 p.m. There will be 15 games with four cards per game. Tickets are $25 per person. Dinner will be available at 5 p.m. and must be pre-ordered for $6 per person. For more information, call 222-6891.

Other fund-raisers include:

Andalusia Manor will be selling Boston butts for $20 each. Deadline for ordering is March 24. You may pick up your butts at River Falls Fire Department between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon on Sat., March 28. To place an order, contact Katrina Weeks at 222-4544 ext. 349 or Debbie Stacks at 222-4544 ext. 343 or an Andalusia Manor Relay for Life team member.

The City of Andalusia Utility Department is hosting a white perch fishing tournament this Saturday at Point A Park. The entry fee is $50 per boat with a two man maximum. There will be a cash prize. For more information, contact Tabitha Linzy at 504-1047.

The Andalusia Fire Department is hosting “Bowling Over Cancer” on Sat., March 28, at Boland Lanes in Andalusia. Bowl for $10 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Pre-registration is from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. For more information contact Larry Brown at 222-1121.

The City of Andalusia Wastewater Treatment Plant will host a Texas Hold ‘em tournament on Tues., April 23, from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. There is a $50 entry fee with 50 percent going to Relay for Life. Top three hands will be paid. No alcohol allowed.

For more information about Relay, contact Ressie Gray at 427-3832 or 504-5225, Jennifer Lewis at 222-0533, or Denese Smith at 488-3559.