Wayne Farms LLC, the fifth largest vertically integrated poultry producer in the U.S., announced today that it has raised more than $95,000 to date in 2008 for the American Cancer Society (ACS) through its annual participation in the Relay for Life.

During the past few months, employees from Wayne Farms’ Decatur, Ala.; Douglas, Ga.; Union Springs, Ala.; Dobson, N.C.; Pendergrass, Ga.; Laurel, Miss.; and the company’s headquarters in Oakwood, Ga., have held various fundraisers to help the ACS research the causes and treatments of cancer as well as ease the pain and suffering endured by cancer victims and their families. Fundraising efforts culminated with employees participating in local Relay for Life events, where they joined with members of their respective communities to celebrate those who have won their battles with cancer and to remember the victims of the disease.

“Cancer is a disease that has unfortunately touched each of our families in some way. Because of this, the Relay fundraiser holds a special place in our hearts and is always well-supported throughout our organization,” says Elton Maddox, president and CEO of Wayne Farms LLC. “We are very proud of the dedication and determination our employees have demonstrated in their fundraising efforts over the years. Each year proves to be even better than the last.”

Each Wayne Farms facility plans and executes its specific fundraising activities. This year, events hosted by Wayne Farms facilities included bake sales, prize raffles, yard sales, t-shirt sales, barbecues, and golf tournaments. In addition, three of the Wayne Farms teams received special recognition in 2008. The Decatur team achieved the purple level of fundraising, a distinction reserved for teams that raise more than $50,000 in support of the cause. The Union Springs team captured the area’s top spot for fundraising, as did the Douglas team for the Coffee County area.