Community Corner
Woburn Relay for Life Fundraising Goal In Sight
Donations have seen a drastic spike this week for Relay for Life of Woburn.
WOBURN, MA — Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, WA, in 1985 and raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society, assisting in its mission to fight cancer across the country.
The following year, 340 supporters joined in that effort. Now called the Relay for Life, this national movement and event has raised nearly $5 billion to fight cancer.
Woburn residents have been hard at work this week in preparation of Relay for Life of Woburn. Residents have raised approximately $17,000 in the past week alone, bringing the fundraising total to more than $79,000.
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This spike represents more than a 27 spike in donations. According to Relay for Life Volunteer Chairperson Julie Gage, spikes are typical during the final week before the event due to last-minute motivation and passion from participants and Bank Night events, which encourage participants to drop off cash and check donations that may have accumulated over the past weeks and moths.
Find out what's happening in Woburnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Gage told Patch that Relay for Life of Woburn netted $82,000 in Donations in 2015, but has a fundraising goal of $100,000 in 2015.
"Absolutely," Gage said. "We are far ahead of where we were going into the event last year at this time, so I do believe that we will reach our goal!"
Relay for Life is an organized, overnight community fundraising walk where teams of people camp out around a track, each of the members taking turns walking. Usually, this family friendly event is surrounded by games, entertainment and food.
Communities hold Relay for Life events across the country, and throughout the year - in New England starting in April and continuing through the fall.
24 teams accounting for 322 participants are taking part the Relay for Life event on May 21 at Library Park Field. The event starts at 4 p.m.
Team We All Have an Angel leads the fundraising charge with $12,584 raised; followed by Kathy's Kampers with $11,603 and Cushing Crusaders with $7,161.
To donate, click here.
Photo via Relay for Life
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