Relay for Life a Huge Success

Community members walked the track on Friday night to raise at least $68,252 to benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. It marked the .

Organizer Meghan McCaffrey was thrilled with the turnout and noted that they hadn't finished counting the donations and contributions from organizations such as the Weston Boosters, who agreed to donate a percentage of the evening's food sale proceeds.

Weston Boosters president estimated that food sales totaled over $600, of which the American Cancer Society would earn about $250.

"It's so wonderful," Egan commented, noting that so many volunteers who weren't walking had been at the event for most of the night anyway.

Forty-three teams comprised of roughly 450 people walked the track, with each team having between 10 and 15 members. During the event, which lasted 12 long, overnight hours, at least one member from each team had to be walking the track continuously.

The event kicked off at 7 p.m. on Friday, with a track "christening" by cancer survivors. Team members then began walking, ending with the closing ceremony at 7 a.m. the following morning.

During the evening and throughout the night, there were a variety of events designed to keep the walkers' spirits and energy high; the continuous walking represented the idea that cancer never sleeps.

McCaffrey said that "the goal was $30,000 and 25 teams. We more than doubled our money goal, so we're excited."

Exhausted but happy students filed through the track gates early on Saturday morning, many carrying pillows and sleeping bags, and in varying states of disarray in the early morning light.  

Students Allegra Shiff, Emily Weyrauch and Zoe Zegers relaxed together by the flagpole waiting to be picked up, noting, "we just wanted to help."