The Marion County Relay for Life soared over its goal at the Saturday night event at the Marion County Fairgrounds.
The goal of $35,000 was easily topped, with $55,780.50 collected by the closing ceremony.
That made Chair Khristy Krieg very happy.
“Tremendous. It’s a great way to pool everyone together, especially after the pandemic and having all those guidelines. This year we didn’t have any. It is amazing what a few people getting together can actually do and it’s a whole community then.”
Sheila Mulvany who helped coordinate the Salem effort was also pleased.
“I think that’s amazing. We’ve got 14 teams and everybody has been working their hearts off. We have had amazing business sponsors this year, and a great group of survivors. People came, bought, ate, and raised a lot of money and it’s just amazing.”
The Relay was less than $2,000 away from goal at the start of the night and raised more than $21,000 at the event.
The event started with a word from American Cancer Society staff member Stephanie Smith on the fight against cancer.
“By the end of this year 1.7 million people are expected to be newly diagnosed with cancer and more than 600,000 people will die from the disease. Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease. And that accounts for nearly 1 of every 4 deaths. That is why the American Cancer Society is fighting cancer on every front. We are helping patients access services such as free rides to treatment, free lodging near hospitals, and a 24/7 cancer hotline.”
About 100 cancer survivors were honored and led the survivor lap followed by caregivers and members of the 14 teams. Later in the evening, hundreds of luminarias were lit in memory of those who have lost their lives to cancer or still fighting the battle against cancer.
This was the first year the event was held in October instead of the summer. The cooler weather was welcome, but no decision has been made on when future Relays will be held.
Emergency responders arrive in their vehicles with emergency lights on before completing their lap.
Marion County Fire Honor Guard with a member from the U.S. Air Force providing colors for the opening ceremony.
Sheila Mulvany (left) and Michelle Murphy (right) work their booth at Relay for Life.
Joel Young of Centralia sings and plays the guitar as part of the Relay’s entertainment.
Luminaria lined the sidewalk in front of the Marion County Fair Grandstand.
