GREENFIELD — Fifty-five Relay for Life teams raised more than $230,000 by the end of the local charity event this weekend, surpassing the yearly fundraising goal.
By the end of the event, $230,331.39 was raised, exceeding the goal of $230,000. According to Patti Hall from the Relay Planning Committee, the goal has not been surpassed this early in a few years.
“Our actual fundraising cutoff for the year is in August and we usually hit our goal before then,” Hall said. “But it’s really exciting for us that we surpassed our goal at Relay itself.”
According to Hall, the top three fundraising teams this year were Dick’s Angels, Yankee Candle and The Wall “Nuts.”
The 23rd annual Franklin County Relay for Life took place Friday evening through Saturday afternoon, where participants took to the track at the fairgrounds to walk laps and raise money for the American Cancer Society.
At least one member from each team was required to be on the track from the beginning of the event Friday evening until the end at 3 p.m. Saturday to show cancer never sleeps. Participants could visit other teams’ tents to purchase food, games and activities to help increase the amount raised.
Hall said every year, she is amazed with the community the Relay participants have created.
“We are more than a group of people raising money for cancer treatment and research,” she said. “We are fighters, survivors, caregivers, friends and family who bond together to offer support and kindness during a very hard time.”
Reach Christie Wisniewski at:
cwisniewski@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 280