Farmingdale Relay for Life Raises $70,000

Farmingdale Relay for Life raised $70,512 for the American Cancer Society at their ninth annual fundraiser Friday night.

"The Relay For Life of Farmingdale 2011 was a success. Though we may have had fewer registered participants, the people who were there came out in full force to take a stand against cancer," said Pamela Parker, director of Special Events for the American Cancer Society.

The event featured 360 participants on 39 teams and was moved inside Roosevelt Hall at because of the rain. The night included performances, special laps and other activities.

A major change this year was that high school and youth participants were required to each raise $100 to be allowed to stay over during the all night event.

"What impressed me the most were our high school and youth participants," Parker said. "They truly understand the meaning of Relay and know that is more than just a sleepover, or a concert, or something to do on a Friday night.  They are fully committed to raising money to support the American Cancer Society's mission of fighting cancer and have become inspirations to their community, and to myself."

Farmingdale has raised nearly $1 million in total for the American Cancer Society since it started participating in Relay for Life nine years ago.