Relay succeeds again

By FAITH MOLDAN

Bigfork Eagle

Bigfork's third annual Relay for Life has officially met its fund-raising goal for 2007.

As of August 3, the total amount of money raised stood at $80,075.98. That total is just over the $80,000 goal set by Bigfork committee members and staff partner in Missoula, according to Bigfork Relay for Life committee member Jolene Bradstreet. Donations can still be accepted through August 17.

The fund-raising goal was met with the help of a donor that pledged to match funds to meet the $80,000 goal. When the amount of money raised was still at the $73,000 mark, the donor who wishes to remain anonymous pledged to donate the funds necessary to make the goal.

Bradstreet said the people involved in organizing and running the Bigfork Relay for Life were never worried about meeting their goal. As of July 16, $37,000 had been raised.

"The (Bigfork) community is fantastic in supporting efforts like this," she said.

Bradstreet said a big thank you is owed to the Bigfork merchants and everyone else who helped with this year's Relay for Life from the committee and the Relay staff in Missoula.

The Bigfork Relay for Life raised $80,000 last year as well, $2,000 more than its goal. This year's Relay, held July 20-21, had 374 participants on 26 teams and 113 survivors.

Next year's Relay for Life will be held close to the same date which is usually near the third weekend in July, Bradstreet said, but nothing is set in stone as of yet. What is for sure is the wrap up meeting for committee members and team captains August 14 in Sliters park. The meeting is set to begin at 5:30 p.m.