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Fund Purpose
Provides support to the annual Harrison County Relay For Life fundraising event on behalf of the American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division, Inc.

Fund Story
The Betty R. Goldman Memorial Relay for Life Fund was established in 2002 by the many friends and family of the late Betty Goldman. The earnings from this endowment fund provide support to the annual Harrison County Relay for Life fundraising event which benefits the American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division.

Betty Rose Atkins Goldman of Depauw was born May 16, 1951. She graduated from Marengo High School. Betty married James Goldman December 24, 1971 and they had two children, Jaime and Jared. Betty worked for 10 years as a Teaching Assistant and a Secretary for the North Harrison Community School Corporation.

Betty was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 1992, which later developed in the lung and brain. Her ten year battle with this disease ended when she passed away in January 2002. Betty was just 51 years old.

The first Harrison County Relay for Life was held July 25 & 26, 1997 at the Corydon Central High School Athletic Field. Eleven teams participated and raised a little over $11,000 that first year. The event has continued to grow every year and now raises over $100,000 each year. The Relay starts at 6 p.m. on Friday and ends at noon on Saturday. Many volunteers come together to assist with this 18-hour event. Activities include a Chicken Dinner and auction, a Luminary Ceremony, which honors those who have survived cancer and remembers those who lost their battle with cancer. Also, music, games, campsite decorating and a t-shirt toss on Friday evening. Saturday activities include breakfast, music, games, a car show and closing ceremony. The Harrison County American Cancer Society Relay for Life has been successful due to the support and contributions received from this wonderful community.

In June 2000 Betty was the guest speaker for the Relay for Life which is just one of the ways she fought to help raise funds for research to combat cancer. Betty knew that the key to a cure was research. In dealing with cancer, Betty made the best of a bad situation. She said "cancer has been a big challenge, one that has changed my life, but not all for the bad. I have learned to appreciate each new day and all the precious blessings that God has given to me. I would like to say my family is the greatest blessing I will ever receive, and true friends do not have a price tag. The most important thing in life, she said, "is just being loved by those you love."

Betty's husband James said he was overwhelmed by the support from the community. "I can't believe how much Betty's endowment has grown."

Fund Impact:
2003 - $391.24 contribution to Relay 2003
2004 - $899.27 scholarship contribution
2005 - $743.81 contribution
2006 - $1,094.94 contribution
2007 - $3,315.98 contribution to 2007 Relay event
2008 - $7,488.42 contribution to the 2008 American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Harrison County
2009 - $6,921.37 contribution to the Harrison County Relay for Life
2010 - $6,667.53 contribution to the Harrison County Relay for Life
2011 - $8,590.01 contribution
2012 - $10,330.67 contribution to the Harrison County Relay for Life
2013 - $10,849.42 contribution to the Harrison County Relay for Life
2014 - $12,312.34 Relay for Life contribution
2015 - $10,428.59 Relay for Life contribution
2016 - Annual Relay for Life contribution ($15,630.95)
2017 - Provided annual Relay for Life contribution ($15,895.24)
2018 - Provided annual Relay for Life contribution ($17,310.76)
2019 - Provided annual Relay for Life contribution ($18,875.76)