The 2015 Clinton County Relay For Life event is now history, and once again–despite the constant threat of bad weather throughout the afternoon and evening–was another tremendous success, as the local committee exceeded its goal in the amount of funds raised for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.

This year’s theme, “A Carnival of Hope,” was once again held at the Clinton County High School, outdoors and indoors, and when all was said and done, a total of $55,437.56 was raised. That total exceeded the local group’s goal of $51,000 and was a little over $5,000 above last year’s $50,000 total raised.

The format for the program was a bit different this year, starting at 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon and culminating around 10 p.m. .

The events began outside with carnival theme activities including inflatables, clowns, concessions and much more. The program then moved inside the CCHS gymnasium for the final portion of the program, which included more serious activities including the first cancer survivor lap and caretaker lap at 6 p.m. and following more games and activities, the luminaria ceremony was held at 9 p.m.

This year’s guest speaker once again was Tonda Thompson, who survived lymphoma, a more serious type of cancer.

Fundraising activities have been held throughout the past year by teams to raise money for the ACS and it paid off once again with the culmination of the 2015 program.

Lisa Smith, public relations coordinator for the Clinton County Relay For Life committee, estimated that between 400 and 500 people-at one point or another throughout the program time–attended the event. “I think the carnival theme brought out a lot of kids, and that helped bring out more adults,” said Smith.

There was a total of 20 cancer survivors who took part in this year’s Relay event. Luminarias, in remembrance of cancer survivors and those who lost their battle with the disease, as well as pictorial tributes were both up this year, according to Smith.

The program was successful despite the threat of severe weather throughout the day on Saturday, and in fact, was cut about an hour short due to the heavy storms that moved through the Albany/Clinton County area around 9 p.m. Saturday night.

Nine teams took part in raising money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life in Clinton County, as well as additional sponsorships, to get the grant total over $55,000.

The following are the team totals for funds raised in 2015:

* ECC (Early Childhood Center)–$2,929.75;

* People’s Bank and Trust–$2,896.60;

* Albany First Baptist Church–$2,213.44;

* CCHS Cheerleaders–$2,064.87;

* Grider Hill Lodge–$1,074.90;

* AES (Albany Elementary School)–$1,060.00;

* Somerset Community College–$215.00;

* Equity Group–$42,158.00;

* additional sponsorships–$825.00.

Total–$55,437.56.

The Clinton County Relay For Life Committee would like to thank all teams, sponsors and individuals who donated and helped in any way in making the 30th anniversary of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life event such a tremendous success.

Cancer survivors from Clinton County are pictured above as they lined up during the survivor recognition ceremony that was held in the opening portion of last Saturday’s Relay for Life event held at Clinton County High School.

Above, survivors and caregivers began the tradtional first lap around the gym floor to kick off the fund-raising event.

Over $55,000 was raised.