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Relay successful despite the rain
Monday, June 04, 2012
By Dianne Byers Staff Writer
Damp and chilly weather did not diminish the spirits of hundreds of people who turned out Saturday at the Clearfield Driving Park to walk and raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Central Clearfield County. As of 11 p.m. Saturday, approximately $110,000 was raised, coming very close to the goal of $125,400 dedicated to cancer research, education and treatment.
"It was a great relay that was supported by the community, the committee and most of all the teams. It got a little bit dampened by the rain but that didn't stop the teams as they continued to do laps all night long," said Susan Babik, ACS income development specialist, in an interview yesterday. Babik said money raised after 11 p.m. Saturday would be counted and added to the final tally as well as any donations that came in after the weekend.
Steve Livergood, committee chairman, agreed. "This just shows that even with the way the local economy is, each and every relay team member was able to step up and go beyond what they had to do to come up with that amount of money. They are true troopers who had to, in many cases, fight for what they got. Every one of them came through and I am just so proud of all of them ... They really took the bull by the horns and went with it."
Babik said the relay was especially exciting for her because of the many new teams participating. She said there were approximately 38 teams raising funds Saturday and a fourth of the groups, which in the majority of cases represent local businesses, churches, organizations and families, were new to the event.
"There was a lot of excitement among the teams for next year. So many of the teams, including the new ones, said they were looking forward to coming back next year," she said.
Babik said the relay doesn't officially close until August when the ACS' fiscal year is done and if residents wish to donate to the 2012 relay they may do so by sending a check to the Clearfield ACS office at 26 South Second St., Clearfield, PA 16830 or by calling the office at 765-1315.
Livergood said awards for top fundraising teams, best tent site and other accolades will be presented at an awards ceremony in the coming weeks. The date, time and location will be announced he said.
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