FORKS — Relay For Life teams topped their goal last Friday and Saturday in Forks, and they plan to raise more money for cancer research before the season is over.
The relay started Friday afternoon, when walkers began doing laps during a pirate-themed walk around the Forks High School track.
They continued nonstop until noon Saturday. They raised $35,600.
“Our goal was $35,000, so we are pretty excited,” said Diane Edwards, publicity chairwoman for the Relay for Life.
About 400 people took part in the event, some as members of teams and others walking just to show support for someone they know who has cancer, Edwards said.
The Relay for Life benefits the American Cancer Society, which receives all proceeds from Relay For Life events.
Edwards’ team, the Puddle Jumpers, raised $6,492.
The Puddle Jumpers are Forks Elementary School staff members, the last remaining team from the first Forks Relay For Life that was held 11 years ago, she said.
The team has four members who are cancer survivors, Edwards added.
In keeping with the theme, “Pirates of the Cure-ibean — Digging for a Cure,” organizers included a “pirate walk” around town, a scavenger hunt and pirate ship races.
Donations can be made at the Relay for Life website, www.relayforlife.org or by mailing a check to Relay for Life, care of Diane Edwards, 7673 LaPush Road, Forks, WA 98331
The Port Angeles Relay For Life was June 7-8. The Relay For Life of Jefferson County was July 27-28.
The Relay For Life of Sequim will run from 3 p.m. to noon Friday and Saturday at Sequim High School, 601 N. Sequim Ave.
For information, contact Marie Meyers at mmeyers8@gmail.com or 360-461-6822.
Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
