Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Relay For Life, a team event to fight cancer sponsored by the Kosciusko County Unit of the American Cancer Society, was a success Saturday.
"We had great turn-arounds for everything we had," said Relay For Life co-chair Chris Cotton.
Though not all the numbers are in yet, Cotton said their goal was to raise $40,000 and he estimated they raised between $35,000 to $40,000. More than 400 people walked or ran during the 24-hour event, representing 24 teams. Last year, the event had 16 teams.
"We're very happy," said Cotton. "We more than doubled what we took in money-wise. We had eight more teams than last year."
The luminary ceremony, which is held to remember those who died of cancer or are battling cancer, had a crowd of approximately 400 persons Saturday night.
Kosciusko Community Hospital sponsored free skin screening Saturday. Cotton said they hoped to test 50 people, but tested 96 people in 3-1/2 hours. The American Red Cross was also on hand Saturday to take blood donations. Cotton said ARC hoped for 40 donations, but they had 78 volunteers, turning away only 13 due to temperature concerns.
Relay For Life was 8 a.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday at the county fairgrounds. Each team was composed of individuals representing businesses, families, churches, schools, clubs, friends and organizations. Team members took turns walking or running around the track for 24 hours. Participants collected donations for the American Cancer Society to support programs, services and research.
