By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The goal for this year's Relay for Life event was to reach $140,000.
That was well exceeded, according to chairman Tammy Tallis, as the event raised $140,893.71.
"It was fabulous. We had a really, really large turnout and people seemed to have fun and embrace the event itself. It was truly wonderful," Tallis said.
The event kicked off Saturday at noon at the Niles High School football and track stadium.
Several events went on throughout the day and night, which included a performance from 10-Minute Warmup, the luminaria and survivors ceremony and other various activities that were put on by the teen-agers of the event.
"There are just a ton of people who have helped make this possible. Everyone from the committee members to team captains to the various sponsors, it wouldn't be possible without any of them," Tallis continued.
"Shelly Knoll, American Cancer Society Community Development Director, also helped with a lot of this. The community itself was just great and I was pleased with the number of people who came and showed support."
The Relay for Life is a 24-hour event that raises funds for the American Cancer Society, which are used for research and advocacy.
The Niles-Buchanan Relay has a strong history of accomplishments, which has included placing in the top 10 since it came to this location 10 years ago.
Tallis is hoping the final tally will once again put the Niles-Buchanan Relay event in the top.
For more information on the Relay for Life event, or to find out how you can be involved, visit www.relayforlife.org.