ATHENS-The smack talk has already started among this year’s City of Athens Relay for Life Celebrity Waiters.
The annual event serves as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and local cancer patients. Celebrity Waiters serve diners at Applebee’s in Athens and compete to see who can raise the most in tips in the effort to beat cancer. This year’s event will be Tuesday, April 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cancer survivor and Athens City Council President Jimmy Gill knows the importance of early detection, better treatments, prevention and support. He took radiation and chemotherapy treatments in his battle against throat cancer. Gill has worked to be the top tip earner during the event’s past two years. Last year, Gill raised $510 in tips and wants to surpass that amount this year.
“”Don’t buck at handing over the bucks,” Gill said. “Support a proven champion.”
East Limestone Band Director Jennifer “Miss Sam” Janzen is among this year’s rookies, but she is confident she can compete well.
““Tip me, or I’ll bring a marching band to your door,” Janzen said.
Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks, who has finished second in tip earnings the past two years, said his goal is to beat Janzen.
“I want to beat Miss Sam so the Mayor of Athens can lead the East Limestone Marching Band in this year’s Christmas Parade,” Marks said.
Ronnie Marks
A man used to collecting money, Limestone County Revenue Commissioner Brian Patterson, said he expects to do well.
“People are used to giving me money,” Patterson said. “Taxes. Tips. They both start with T.”
Another rookie, but one who is used to competition, is this year’s Miss Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Queen Kalynn Clinard. She will let 
her actions speak for themselves the night of the event.
Athens City Councilman Joseph Cannon is hopeful he’ll at least beat one of his fellow Celebrity Waiters.
“I’m OK with finishing second to the rodeo queen as long as I beat the tax collector,”
Joseph Cannon
Cannon said, referring to Clinard and Patterson.
Two other rookies, Limestone County Commission Chairman Mark Yarbrough and WHNT co-anchor Greg Screws, both feel they have the means to win.
Yarbrough already has been working to ensure a supportive crowd will be dining at Applebee’s to help his tip earnings.
Mark Yarbr
“No one has ever become poor by giving,” he said, referring to a quote attributed to Anne Frank.
Screws likely will use the power of television to pull support his way.
“Being the biggest celebrity there, literally, I will easily win this contest,” Screws said.
Greg Screws
You can come out and support your favorite Celebrity Waiter and the fight for a cure by dining at Applebee’s on April 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. If you cannot attend, you can donate to one of the Celebrity Waiters by sending a donation to City of Athens Relay Captain Holly Hollman, P.O. Box 1089, Athens, AL 35612. Please indicate which Celebrity Waiter you are supporting. Checks can be made out to City of Athens Relay for Life.
