The Marion County Relay for Life ended the event Saturday night at the fairgrounds with $61,003 raised to fight cancer.
One of the organizers, Sheila Mulvany, says this is the highest amount raised in a number of years.
“I think it is pretty awesome. We did a lot of work and the community responded. We had some really awesome new teams this year that worked really hard. We are thrilled and everybody makes a difference.”
Mulvany says there were challenges.
“I think we had a great turnout despite the rain. We learned that we can do it inside. There is some fine-tuning if we are going to do it again. We can do it so that is a learning experience in itself.”
Mulvany says the number of Luminaria were also up, with 512 sold this year in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to cancer or who have survived the disease. The event also included opening laps for survivors, caregivers, and the teams. Booths sold food and various items to raise money for their teams.
Mulvany notes the final tally will go up as they know of money that has not been turned in.
A participant lights one of the remaining luminaria at Saturday’s Relay for Life. Photo by Henry Morton.
A girl lights one of the luminaria during Saturday’s Relay for Life held inside the Marion County Fair Exhibit Building. Photo by Henry Morton.
Some of the team booths at Relay for Life. Photo by Henry Morton.
Joel Young entertained the crowd during relay for life and showed off his guitar to one young admirer. Photo by Henry Morton.
