Stahl credits help for reaching Relay for Life goal

If you've ever chatted with Nicole Stahl of Bloomfield about the Greene County Relay for Life event, her enthusiasm is easy to spot.

She's been a member of the Relay committee for six years, and the past two served as chairperson of the event.

Her final day as chairperson is Monday.

She's not stepping down because she doesn't enjoy her work. She's giving up the top spot for family reasons.

"I didn't want to give it up by any means," Stahl said Thursday morning. "With twins coming I didn't think I could dedicate the time to the organization.

"I'm going to stay on the committee, and if the next person ever gives it up I'd be glad to take it back."

Stahl and her husband are expecting twin girls in "the next three or four weeks."

Stahl got involved with Relay because of her daughter Caitlyn, who is now 10.

"I promised my daughter that I would get more involved after watching her grandfather die of prostate cancer," Stahl recalled. "A young child, they think every parent can fix everything. It was one of those things that you couldn't make a difference at the time, but I made a promise then to get more involved.

"She and I have been very involved. She's only 10, and this was her fourth year on the committee. ... She works with the school. She brings information."

Stahl shared some outstanding news Thursday: Relay reached its 2009 goal.

"We're really excited. We did $38,100," Stahl said. "That exceeds last year ($35,800)."

Considering how the economy has been sputtering the past year, Stahl is amazed at what Greene County was able to accomplish.

"Absolutely ... in this economy, that's great. And since the Relay only lasted eight hours because of rain, that's amazing," Stahl said of reaching their goal.

"Through a lot of hard work and dedication of the community the Relay has really grown so much since it's been in Bloomfield. Hopefully that will continue."

Maria Jeffers of Worthington and her mother Brenda Everett of Switz City will share the chairperson duties.

Two events are already planned for October. Relay will have a float in the Bloomfield Apple Festival parade Oct. 4, and will host a truck and car show fundraiser Oct. 24 at White River Valley High School. Times will be announced later.

The theme for the 2010 Relay for Life is "The Rockin' '50s."

Stahl noted that several people helped make the past two Relays successful.

"A big thank you to the community and everyone who supported us," she said.

Chris is the general manager/editor of the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by telephone at 847-4487 or 1-800-947-4487 or by e-mail at cpruett79@hotmail.com .