OKOLONA - The battle against cancer is not an easy prospect and several local men joined in the campaign sporting dresses, pumps and a willing attitude. The annual Womanless Beauty review was held April 30 to help raise funds for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life with 13 participants strutting their stuff and collecting money.

Marsha Mallow (Timothy Feliciano) took top honors with the judges and was named Miss Relay 2010 while Super Star (Stevie Brassfield) was named Miss Congeniality for raising the most money.

The contest has proved to be a crowd pleaser and a popular fund raising event but it has a much deeper purpose. Annual contestant, Bruce Burkeen, made his feelings known during an earlier organizational meeting.

""I may not see it and my kids may not see it but maybe my grandkids or their kids may be able to see a cure for cancer," Burkeen said. "It's for the survivors, that's what it's all about. It's for a good cause and that's the bottom line. It raises a lot of money to help find a cure for cancer and that's why I put on a skirt. If people will keep coming and giving money to help fight cancer, I'll put on a dress every time."

Co-chair Sarah Flake addressed guests in the audience and participants to thank them for joining together for the cause.

"It takes a lot to get out here and do this," Flake said. "Especially the ones who do it year after year."

Flake also thanked all of the new participants as well as Sid and Brenda Whitlock for the donation of Brenda's Concert Hall to house the event.

Heading to the park

Relay for Life in Chickasaw County is set for May 14 in Joe Brigance Park in Houston. A reception will be held for cancer survivors inside the Civic Center at 5 p.m. Due to limited seating, only survivors or one assistant are asked to participate in the reception.

The opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m. with the Survivor's Walk and family members and friends are welcome to join in the second lap around the track.

Teams are still planning out their activities to include a lip sync competition and more entertainment is set for later in the evening.

At 9 p.m., luminaries will be lit and the names of loved ones honored and remembered will be read aloud. Luminaries are available from any team member or Linda Hicks (456-3411) and Gladys Moore (494-2966).

Following the luminaries ceremony, organizers have planned for live entertainment to keep visitors on site.

Roadhouse band, Elvis impersonator Mitchell Johnson and the Layman Quartet are all on the entertainment bill and more bands are being contacted to perform.

"We wanted to have a little more music this year to boost things up," said entertainment chair Lanny Wilson. "We're trying to add a variety of music to keep people entertained and hopefully they'll stay a little longer."

Fund raising continues

Teams are still actively raising funds for Relay for Life and several raffle items will be awarded at the event. The Houston Teachers are selling tickets on a charcoal grill and HIS team has tickets available for a dinner for six at Bridges Hall Manor. Check the Relay for Life calendar on page 5A for more information about ongoing fund raisers.

Relay for Life

When: May 14

What: Time, 6 p.m.

Where: Joe Brigance Park in Houston

Extra: Survivors Reception at 5 p.m. in Civic Center.