GARFIELD COUNTY — The American Cancer Society Relay For Life events in Garfield County topped the national per capita income rankings for 2009. Relay For Life of Rifle and Relay For Life of the Roaring Fork Valley had a combined net income of $240,671.

The total ranked Garfield County third in the nation in the range of county populations of 50,000 to 59,999 with an average of $4.49 raised per person.

The Garfield County pair also ranked No. 1 (for its range) in the 12-state Great West Division.

“Being recognized nationally is truly an honor for our Relay For Life volunteers in Garfield County and is a testament to their hard work and planning,” said Charles DeGooyer, Chief Executive Officer, American Cancer Society, Great West Division Inc. “Garfield County could not have achieved this accomplishment without the support from all its residents. We are very thankful for that, knowing their efforts help us achieve our mission of fighting cancer and providing a world with more birthdays.”

This is the second straight year Garfield County has been ranked nationally. In 2008, Garfield County was ranked No. 1.

Thanks to the efforts of Relay for Life fundraisers including Garfield County a new American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Center has been opened in Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs. The Cancer Resource Center, which is operated by trained American Cancer Society volunteers, is intended to assist cancer patients and help them through their journey in fighting cancer.

In addition, money raised by Relay For Life events goes toward cancer research, patient services, advocacy and education. This year alone, the American Cancer Society invested more than $10.6 million in Colorado for cancer research.

For more information about the June 11, 2010, Relay For Life of Rifle contact Joanne Nelson, (970) 379-5312 or www.riflerelay.com; or for the Aug. 13, 2010, Relay For Life of Roaring Fork Valley contact Ann Keeney (970) 963-2464 or www.roaringforkrelay.com.