By OLIVER GOOD

Staff writer

Marion County Relay for Life shattered a $24,000 goal Saturday at Warriors Stadium by amassing donations to the tune of $27,687 for cancer research, with money still coming in as of Monday.

Area relay specialist Bryn Mecum said the county’s relay committee would be receiving a “very uncommon five-star award” for this year’s effort.

“Teams really got after it this year,” Mecum said. “The five-star award is for increasing team numbers from last year, increasing net revenue, engaging survivors throughout the year, recruiting and training American Cancer Society Members, and for the core committee members efforts.”

Mecum also noted the 1,20 white paper luminaries sold were about 400 more than they prepared for. She said it was “fortunate misfortune” that they didn’t have enough glow sticks to fill all the luminaries that lined the track.

Breast cancer survivor LaVaugh Klose said she was a little disappointed with the turnout.

“It was cold and damp so that may have driven some people away,” Klose said. “It didn’t seem like there were as many people as usual, but it was a really nice evening. They had games for kids.”

According to Mecum, there were about 200 in attendance this year, which also includes teams, friends, family, and children.

Tickets sold for kids’ games, a silent auction, and a record number of sponsors helped break the fundraising goal.

Committee member Kim Helmer was in charge of garnering sponsors and organizing kids’ games like ‘Human Candy Land.’

Committee chairperson Cindy Griffits said there was an overall feeling of encouragement at the event.

Event participants Ralph and Phyllis Kruetziger have been attending the event since about 2003 when they found out Ralph had Hairy cell leukemia and prostate cancer.

“It’s a good cause,” Phyllis said. “It lets you know there are others out there in a similar situation as you.

They used to be on the committee, but bowed out a few years ago to conserve energy. She said this year’s event was a very positive experience that helps increase awareness through community support.