2025 Franklin County Relay for Life A Success

 This year's Franklin County Relay for Life event took place at the Franklin Wellness Center on Saturday, Sept. 13.

The honorary chair for the event was the amazing Oz Guerrero, who passed away from cancer earlier this summer. And the honorary caregiver was Jen Walton. Both were honored with a special introduction, following a prayer from Father Kevin Earleywine with St. Patrick Catholic Church. A survivors lap around the track took place after the introductions, with caregivers joining for the second lap and family and friends joining for the third.

El Taco Riendo, the Funky Pepperoni, Pucker Brush Mitch's Citrus Creations, and Franklin REC's mobile basketball court were also stationed in front of the wellness center for the event, along with plenty of fun indoor games for the kiddos.

The event, which was pulled together by Franklin County Relay for Life Event Chair Lisa Rodriguez, was made possible with help from volunteers, committee members and local sponsors.

The committee was made up of Sheri Bogue, Jon Schmitt, Mike Lage, Diana Lage, Marcia Etnier, Wendy Wikert, Barb Hanig, Bev Moore and First Bank Hampton. The survivor sponsor was Franklin General Hospital. The caregiver sponsor was Franklin REC. The corporate sponsor was KLMJ Radio. The platinum sponsor was Sukup Manufacturing. The gold sponsors were Buresh Building Systems Inc., Christensen Jewelry, First Bank Hampton, Iowa Drainage, Jon’s Auto & Truck Repair, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds and Zion Reformed Church. Silver sponsors were D&L Sanitation, the Hampton Chronicle, M&D Sound/Iowa Mobile Stage and Murphy’s Heating & Plumbing. The century club sponsors were Abbott Realty Inc., Auto Parts Plus, Carlson Tree Farm, Craighton Electric, Dan and Judy Wiechmann, Franklin Financial Inc., JT Machine & Tool Co., Koenen & Collins Chiropractic Clinic and Wearda Farm Management Inc. The coaches vs. cancer sponsors were Abbott Realty Inc., Don’s Auto Services and Hickman Chiropractic.

“I felt like Relay way a successful event,” said Rodriguez. “I just want to say thank you to all those who attended. Thank you to Sheri Bogue and Denise Conrad. If not for them, I am not sure how the day would have been. Thank you to Wendy Weikert and Jami Cruz for assembling 35 baskets we had for free-will offering. Thank you to Jazella and Juliana Cruz for stepping up and helping with kids games. Just a thank you to everyone one who was involved with Relay on Saturday. Thank you for all your help.”