Practice run for Relay

Ivy Tech's Relay for Life team took a practice run Thursday afternoon. Ivy Tech Director Brad Johnson objected to an early head shaving by Candy Booe, Lara Zoll and Kyla Randall. Johnson told the group he would shave his head if they raised $2500 for Relay for Life. The official head shaving will take place at 9 p.m. Saturday evening at Relay for Life.

The Ivy Tech Relay for Life team raised over $2,500 not just for a good cause, but for fun too.

Back in January when the group started planning for the relay, school director Brad Johnson offered the challenge of letting his head be shaved if they raised $2,500.

Students and staff were determined they would see a bald director come May.

"We held bake sales, auctions, sold walking tacos, made cat and dog baskets and sold a 9.2 pound candy bar in order to raise money," Candy Booe said. "We were determined to see Brad's head get shaved for a good cause. Now, we want lots of people to come for a good cause and as a bonus see Brad lose his hair on stage at Relay."

Student Kyla Randall is a member of the relay team and had the highest bid on the huge candy bar the group sold.

"I split it with my English teacher Ken Pell and he gave most of out to his classes," Randall said with a laugh.

People of all ages got in on the fun.

"All the staff and students have had a lot of fun and all for a good cause," said Lara Zoll, who works in the office at Ivy Tech. "Everybody chipped in all over town. Kroger gave us a $50 gift card, the Greencastle Pet Clinic gave us the supplies for the dog and cat baskets."

The team hit their goal Wednesday when a community member bought $100 in luminaries. Members of the team include co-captains Booe and Zoll, plus Johnson and Randall. Other members are Dara and Holly Booe, Gary Crowe, Annette Hoopingarner, Michele Martin, Jessica Murray, Ken Pell, Lisa Perdue, Gerald Suddarth, Amanda Terrence and Amanda Via.

Johnson is happy to do his part for relay.

"You can do just about anything when you do it for a good cause," he said. "This is a small price to pay for such a great effort. We just hope this encourages everyone to come to Relay and support this great cause."