When the Bellefonte Relay for Life held its kickoff on Friday at Governor’s Park, 13 men from the area strode across the stage in their best imitations of beauty pageant contestants.

They had agreed to take part, as several admitted, because they believed in the purpose of Relay for Life.

As teams each year dream up new themes, decorate tents, and attempt to walk and stay awake for 24 hours, the focus is the eradication of cancer. This pageant gave these brave men, dressed in their finest gowns and hairpieces, the privilege of being teased, photographed and laughed at — to help cure cancer.

Judges Brenda Confer and Tracina Fisher had to make some difficult choices as they rated the costume, stage presentation and strut of each “miss.”

As other events took place in the park, the “misses” worked the crowd with their purses open to receive donations for Bellefonte’s relay.

As the third part of the competition, emcee Laura Murphy asked each contestant a question. Among the amusing answers and the laughter, one message emerged: Cancer does not sleep and that thought has encouraged the ones who plan, the ones who walk, and the ones who outfit themselves and pretend to be beauty pageant contestants.

Crowned “Miss” Relay Pageant of 2012 was “Swagaliscious” (James Pone).

First runner-up was “Pinky Devine” (Jon Rockey). The second runner-up and top fundraiser was “Chocolate Love” (Brian Winger).

Event raises more than $100k

Relay Chairwoman Gail Miller shared the following results from the Relay for Life, held Friday and Saturday:

Total amount raised:$103,067 Top 10 fundraising teams:Port Supports, $13,245; Coca Cola, $10,543; Tara’s Angels, $9,021; Hartman Humanitarians, $6,087, Team Fetzer, Pay It Forward, $6,087; State College School Lunch Bunch, $5,471; Gail’s Girls, $5,406; Cancer Survivor Association, $4,178; Pleasant Gap Lioness Club, $2,868; St. Mark Ever Ready Walkers, $2,698

Award winners: Site Decorating Award and Costume Parade Award, Tara’s Angels; Spirit Award, Coca Cola and Hartman Humanitarians; Footprint Award honoring caregivers, Christina Fetzer family

Snipping locks for good cause

Lipstick Salon gave haircuts to Tristin Wolford and Aly Nichols (Watermarke Warriors Team) and several others.

The organization Locks of Love will make the hair into wigs for those who lose their hair from chemotherapy.

Pam Royer was event co-chairwoman and team recruitment leader.

Congratulations to the entire committee for another successful relay.

From Tara’s Angels, who participated for the 11th year, to a first-time relay team from Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church, belief in the purpose is what draws people to American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Connie Cousins writes a weekly column on happenings in the Bellefonte area. Send her news at ccous67@gmail.com.