The Relay for Life of Greene County Saturday raised more than $50,100 for the American Cancer Society as participants remembered those who have died of cancer, celebrated with survivors, and raised funds to fight back against the disease.
Organizers, led by chairperson Peg Raney, used a new daytime format, with activities starting at in the morning and wrapping up by mid-afternoon. A new event, a Color Out Cancer 5K run/walk fill all 250 spots available. “It was unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable,” Raney said about the 5K. “Everyone had so much fun and they can’t wait to do it again next year.”
Participants in the 5K, ranging in age from elementary school to much older, lined the sidewalk on the east side of the Greene County Community Center for the Survivor Lap. Raney called the Survivor Lap “inspirational.” “It was so meaningful to have the runners and walkers supporting the survivors, cheering them the whole way,” she said.
The gymnasium was full for the luncheon barbecue; the Greene County Cattlemen grilled 500 hamburgers and pork burgers.
The top team in fundraising was Home State Bank’s Team Towers with a preliminary total of more than $5,000. The Cancer Crusaders raised $3,274 and St Joseph’s Holy Walkamolies raised $2,854.
The books won’t close on the Greene County Relay for Life until August. Donations can still be made by clicking on the ad/link on GreeneCountyNewsOnline or by visiting www.relayforlife.org/greenecountyia
