Charlie Daniels fiddle benefits Relay For Life

The Clay County Relay For Life is currently offering chances on a drawing for a fiddle that has been autographed by Charlie Daniels. The fiddle was donated to the RFL by Jerry and Chris Lewis, of Lewis Motor Company of Piggott. Pictured with the fiddle are, from left--Chris Lewis, Cheryl Gookin and Susie Bowman with the Relay for Life and Jerry Lewis. (Times photo/Tim Blair) [Click to enlarge]

With spring just around the corner, planning of the annual Clay County Relay For Life has reached a fever pitch. Currently RFL has several fundraising efforts underway, with all the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. Among those efforts is a special drawing being held for a fiddle autographed by performer Charlie Daniels.

The fiddle was donated by Jerry and Chris Lewis, from Lewis Motor Company in Piggott, and includes a picture of Daniels and a card of authenticity.

"We have a friend that we know from Dexter that's involved with the music business in Nashville, and we mentioned to him that it would be nice to get an item to raise money for the Relay for Life," Chris Lewis said of the donation. "He doesn't want to be recognized, but he wanted to give us something that he felt would generate much more than just the value of the item."

"When he said that he had gotten an item from Charlie Daniels we thought it would be a nice autographed picture," Jerry Lewis said of the fiddle. "Then he pulled out this case and we were just blown away."

The fiddle has been autographed by the famous performer, and the winner of the drawing also will receive an autographed photo and certificate of authenticity. The drawing for the fiddle will be held at this year's event in April.

Chances on the fiddle drawing are available for a donation of $5, or three for $10 and may be purchased at Silas Pest Control, The Treasure Chest and Sugar Creek Antiques. Currently, the fiddle is on display at Silas Pest Control, on the southeast corner of the square.

The Clay County RFL also is currently selling "Fight Like A Girl" t-shirts, and the organization will be selling their new cookbooks beginning in mid-March. They are also selling coupons for family portraits and "Treasures in the Attic" photos for kids. Those wanting more information may contact Susie Bowman at 598-3457. Bowman also was recently honored by the Modern Woodmen of America for her work with the American Cancer Society and the group made a $100 donation in her name to this year's effort.

Luminaries are also on sale for this year's relay and are $5 for the white ones and $10 for gold, purple or silver. The luminaries are currently on sale at Silas Pest Control, The Treasure Chest, Sugar Creek Antiques and Piggott Discount Drug. The group is also holding a daffodil sale next week, with the effort going on March 1 to 5.

The annual Clay County Relay For Life will be held Saturday, April 24, at Heritage Park in Piggott. Those wanting more information on the event may contact Bowman at 598-3457.