Despite a weather-related relocation from the Missouri School for the Deaf track to the Callaway Electric Cooperative, the Relay for Life of Callaway County on June 7 exceeded its fundraising goal of $46,000 for 2014.
Through a variety of efforts ranging from garage and bake sales to trivia nights and dances, local teams raised $51,241 for cancer research.
Event chair Linda Boshers said that level of fundraising success "was a nice surprise, and it's all because the citizens of Callaway County backed us."
"It was awesome the level of support they gave us," Boshers said.
She also attributed beating the goal for the year to the passion of the Callaway relay participants and supporters.
"All the dedicated, hard-working people that made up the teams and committees, and the businesses from all over the county," Boshers said. "Their dedication is why we were so successful even after the move."
Boshers said the event itself went very well.
"We had a large turnout, everyone did well with their booths, the entertainment was very good," she said. "It was just really awesome to see everyone come together. I was just so impressed with everyone.
"I'm hoping for this much success next year. I can't commend the people in the relay enough."