Walkers who joined together to battle cancer during the Jefferson County Relay for Life on Friday evening at Watson Chapel High School came up short of their goal, said Leslie Humphrey, community representative in south Arkansas for the American Cancer Society.
Humphrey said the 23 teams that participated secured $35,000 in donations and pledges, with a goal of $50,000 set for the benefit.
Humphrey said volunteers who gathered to celebrate anyone who has battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and encourage others to fight against the disease, will continue the fund-raising campaign and still hope to reach the goal.
“We had a great turnout. Lots of people were there,” Humphrey said. “We will now contact potential sponsors and others to give them an opportunity to contribute to a very worthy cause.”
Relay for Life opened with cancer survivors and anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer taking the first lap. Team members came together to celebrate, barbecue, play games and walk the track for the campaign, she said.
The Luminaria Ceremony, held after dark, honored cancer survivors and remembered those who have lost the battle against cancer. Hundreds of luminarias — bags filled with sand and a lit candle — lined the track and were left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the importance of their contributions.