Valley events bring in record cash

The relays attracted about 50,000 participants this year.
CANFIELD -- Proceeds from the American Cancer Society's 18 Relay For Life events this spring and summer in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Jefferson and Carroll counties netted a record of nearly $1.98 million.
This is an increase of $268,000 from the 2004 relays, which netted nearly $1.71 million.
In 2005, it's estimated between 3,200 and 3,300 survivors participated. This is an increase of 100 to 200 survivors from last year's relays.
About 50,000 people participated in the relays this year. This includes cancer survivors, team members, committee people, volunteers, clubs and other members of the community.
During each relay, teams of people gathered at schools, fairgrounds or parks and took turns walking or running laps. Each team of 10 to 15 tried to keep at least one team member on the track at all times. Each local relay was 18 to 24 hours. Entertainment, activities, games, contests and other events were also held.
The Warren Relay in May at Mollenkopf Stadium was the largest relay in Trumbull County and in Ohio. There were more than 1,000 cancer survivors and a record of $540,000 was raised.
The Boardman Relay was the largest relay in Mahoning County with about 550 cancer survivors. This relay was the second largest relay in Ohio.
Last year, the Warren and Boardman relays both ranked nationally, No. 1 and No. 7 in their population groups in the country.