By MORRIS STEPHENSON - The Franklin News Post

An anonymous $50,000 donation has pushed the total for the Lights for Life fund drive to $205,945 at the end of the seventh week.

The $50,000 cashier's check was sent to Rudy Valentino, an employee of the Bojangles in Rocky Mount, and he presented it to the Lights for Life drive.

"On behalf of everyone who has supported this drive and those working to raise money, I would like to thank the anonymous person for this gracious contribution to a very worthwhile cause," said L.D. Arrington, drive chairman.

Last week's total was $141,831.

The second largest contribution came from McDonald's in Rocky Mount as a result of its fundraiser last Saturday.

"This donation came from McDonald's loyal customers and others who are supporting this drive all the way," said Larry McCarty, owner.

A $2,500 check was given Thursday by the Rocky Mount Rotary Club, along with $1,000 from STEP Inc.

Franklin Community Bank also reported collections of $1,556.

Tuesday, the Rocky Mount Lions Club gave $500, while a group of employees at Ply Gem turned in $260. A $250 donation was given by Franklin Finance, and another $250 was received from Tacoma Management (Taco Bell in Martinsville). Conner-Bowman Funeral Home and Crematory added $200, and $50 was received from the Bent Mountain Chapel in memory of Andrew Sink.

"This is by far our best week for donations since the drive kicked off. I know of several other fundraisers planned for this month, including a golf tournament," Arrington said. "There are plenty of spaces still available."

For more information, call Arrington Enterprises Inc. at 483-7754.

Contributions can be mailed or taken to the Rocky Mount Municipal Building. Checks should be made out to Lights for Life, Town of Rocky Mount, and mailed to 345 Donald Avenue, Rocky Mount, Va. 24151.

Donations can also be left at any Franklin Community Bank location.

Pledges also are being accepted through Arrington Enterprises Inc.

The Lights for Life website is www.lightsforlifeva.com and on that site is a link to Facebook.