Relay Exceeds Goal; More Money Coming In

By ANNE HOLLIDAY
WESB/WBRR News Director

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life exceeded its goal by nearly $9,000 – and there’s still money to be counted.

The goal was $76,000. As of noon on Saturday, they had counted $84,962.

“You are guys are awesome,” Fran Stewart of the cancer society told the team members after making the announcement. “Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for all your hard work. I know how hard you guys work. I know how hard this committee works. I know how hard the team captains work.”

“It was a very successful year.” Stewart said. “There was everything that was going on that was right – so much energy. I can’t talk about you guys enough. I’m telling regional. I’m telling divisional. You guys rock!”

Thirty-two teams participated in this year’s relay.

The online donation goal was $3,500. They brought in $6,231.

“Blew that out of the water,” Stewart said.

She also mentioned the mini relay at Fretz Middle School earlier this month.

“These kids were great. … In less than two weeks, these kids worked their butts off and they brought in $7,860.”

The total Stewart announced at the end of the relay will get bigger.

Jeep Jamboree will be presenting the cancer society with a check Saturday evening.

Event co-chair Mary Boser said when the Jeeps went out Friday they were handing money to team members as they drove by. Friday night they had an auction and will be donating all of that money.

Money raised during on-site fundraisers still has to be totaled as well.

Northwest Savings Bank is the relay's Business of the Year for helping throughout the year in a variety of ways.

Rookie of the Year team is Tricia's Troopers, which brought in $3,619.19

Kathy's Designers Team raised the most money -- $6,055.43.

The next cancer society event is the Big 30 Tailgate Party on August 7. After that, is the second annual Rockin’ a Cure at The New Willows on August 12.

Last year Rockin’ a Cure raised $4,000 and they would like to bring in more this year.

Among those scheduled to perform are The No Name Trio, Mick and Chuck and Lisa Platko.

Pictured, Dorie Meabon (right) accepts the Spirit Award for Sherry Comilla's Team.