Big Walnut Relay exceeds 2015 goal

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It was late, the last lap following an 11:30 p.m. closing ceremony, when Belinda Jackson of Team Jackson, center, and Sunbury/Big Walnut Area Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant Meg Howard, right, joined Relay For Life of Big Walnut co-chair Dave Martin, left, for one final lap around Sunbury Village Square. Martin said Big Walnut’s 2015 Relay For Life exceeded its $52,000 goal before the evening was over, in cash, not counting pledges.

The Relay For Life of Big Walnut was held last Friday evening on Sunbury Square, and by the evening’s end, event co-chair Dave Martin had good news.

Martin said this year’s Relay For Life goal was $52,000, and the goal was exceeded.

“We raised $52,182.43 by the end of the evening, and is money collected, not including pledges,” Martin said during the 11:30 p.m. closing ceremony. “And Jackson Farms Relay For Life team has raised over one quarter million dollars in 12 years.”

Martin said the first Relay For Life was in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington.

“Since then, Relay For Life has raised nearly five billion dollars, that’s with a B,” Martin said. “This year 4 million people will take part in Relay For Life in 20 countries. If you ever think what you do doesn’t matter, don’t think that.”

Sarah Swegan, American Cancer Society community manager for Relay For Life, said more than 50 cancer survivors registered for the 6:30 p.m. Survivor’s Lap, and eight teams registered for the new, shortened Relay For Life format.

“The weather is great today,” Swegan said. “Holding the Relay on Sunbury Square makes it really visible. We’re very happy with the turnout.”

All money raised during Relay For Life events goes to the American Cancer Society. Area residents may continue to contribute to the 2015 Relay For Life of Big Walnut total via their favorite Relay teams until the Relay season ends on Aug. 31.

This year’s Glow4Hope 5k run/walk to benefit Relay For Life of Big Walnut will be on Saturday, July 18.

The race kicks off from Sunbury Mills (Kroger) Plaza. Registration starts at 8:30 p.m. Race at 9:30 p.m. with an after party at the Big Walnut Grille featuring VINNTAGE.

For more information, search for Glow4Hope on Facebook.

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