Held this past Friday, Relay for Life of Liberty County took over the Liberty County Recreation Department track and more, set up to “Relay Around the World.” With a goal of $68,000 this year, organizers say that they have not quite reached it, but that there is still time.

“We are at roughly $57,000 online, however, teams still have two more weeks to get dollars in and as a community we have until August,” said event chair Karen Bell.

With 39 teams and five companies at the event, Bell applauded the local efforts to support the fundraiser.

“I am always in awe of this community, it is such an inspiring place to be and never more so than when we all come together and make something of this magnitude happen, she said. “Giving our cancer survivors one more birthday is something near and dear to my heart.”

There were 2,000 people who showed up for the survivor walk, with the largest team on-site being SNF Holding Co., based out of Riceboro. SNF also successfully raised the most money, sitting at $21,173. Coming in a close second on team size was The Heritage Bank, on Main Street in downtown Hinesville and raising $4,958. 

Bell credits the volunteers with the success, as without them the event would not come together. Large groups from the Target distribution center and BOSS on Fort Stewart, volunteered throughout the day to help with set-up. 

New this year, Panera Bread gave back 10 percent of every receipt received from Feb. 16 to May 11 to the team of choice. McDonald’s sponsored the required event security. And SNF hosted the survivor caregiver lunch, all new items that were successful and well received. 

Other teams included: Joseph Martin Elementary, raising $3,375; Liberty County Commission, raising $3,036; and Liberty Regional Medical Center at $1,492. All of the 39 teams are listed at www.relayforlife.org/libertycountyga 

Poole is CEO of the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.