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To say that the fifth annual ��Ӱֱ�� State Relay for Life event held April 10-11 was a success would be an understatement.

According to Krystal Perlman, campus official and adviser to the student-run ��Ӱֱ�� State Relay for Life Planning Committee, this year’s Relay goal of $11,000 was “blown out of the water” by the $23,298 that was raised. A total of 283 people participated as part of 19 teams, far surpassing the planning committee’s goal of 200 participants.

“When I first started planning ��Ӱֱ�� State’s first Relay for Life five years ago, we had a very small goal of $5,000 and 100 participants, so to see this year’s event be so successful is just amazing,” said Perlman, Computer Help Desk coordinator at the college.

Tiffany Zimmer, community manager of Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society, said she is “beyond proud” of the passion that ��Ӱֱ�� State students “put in toward the fight against cancer.”

“They are the future for the American Cancer Society and with more than doubling their fundraising goal this year, I know the future is in good hands,” Zimmer said. “The money they raised together will help so many of our cancer patients and their families. I’m just beyond proud. No words can express my gratitude for all they have accomplished.”

The 12-hour event, which aims to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer, lasted from 6 p.m. April 10 until 6 a.m. April 11 in the Orvis Activities Center gymnasium. The night featured a Disney theme throughout all of its games, activities, “camp sites,” and giveaway prizes.

The committee, Perlman said, can continue fundraising efforts until Aug. 1 and hopes to reach $25,000 by then. So far, ��Ӱֱ�� State Relay events have raised more than $60,000 for the American Cancer Society.

“Five years ago, I would never have imagined that we would have such a high level of support and participation that would result in raising more than $60,000 since then for the American Cancer Society,” Perlman said.

Karla Chun, a forensic science technology major from Broadalbin and chair of the planning committee, said the members of the committee she is on are some of the most dedicated and passionate people she has come to know. Chun said she would like to thank all committee members and Perlman and Zimmer for their efforts, as well as everyone who participated in and donated to the event.

“We made a positive difference in people’s lives,” she said, “and that is something to be proud of. Celebrate. Remember. And fight back.”