GULF SHORES, Ala. — Emily Stowe, the 2010 chairman of Relay For Life on the Alabama Gulf Coast, was honored as the Community Volunteer of the Year Friday while she attended the Relay Remodel event in Mobile. Stowe was presented with the award by Kimberly Williams, the associate state vice president of the American Cancer Society.

Jeanne Fitzgibbons, who has been the local Relay chairman for the past several years said Stowe really deserved the award.

“She very much deserves it,” Fitgibbons said. “She’s a go-getter, and I couldn’t be happier that she’s taking over as chairman.”

Along with receiving the award, Stowe attended motivational seminars and brainstorming sessions designed to make Relay a better event.

“It was very successful. It was what people needed to get the local Relay events back on track,” ACS Executive Director for South Alabama Leigh Davis said. “The event was designed as a refresher course to get our events back to the basics.”

Davis said Stowe has been a faithful Relay volunteer through the years.

“She has always been very supportive of Relay and has consistently stepped up to the plate when she's needed to,” Davis said. “We’re very thankful of her help and support. Without people like her, Relay wouldn't be the success it is year-in and year-out.”