HOWELL — Although they had been up all night, the participants at Howell High School’s Relay for Life event were full of energy when they learned they had raised $85,997.51 for the American Cancer Society.
According to its website, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life “is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all.”
On June 12, students, staff and community members came together on the football field at Howell High School to spend the night in a wide range of activities to raise funds, according to a press release from the Freehold Regional High School District.
Close to 1,000 participants took part in games, karaoke, contests and even a late night Zumba session, from Friday evening into Saturday morning. A midnight volleyball game was held with Howell Mayor William Gotto, members of the Howell Police Department and members of local fire departments competing.
School nurse Eileen Eccleston worked with a team of student volunteers to put together this year’s event, according to the press release. The lead student chairs for the 2015 Relay for Life were seniors Chloe Craig, Rylie Coliskey and Stacey Sukoff.
In the end, Howell raised its highest amount ever, bringing in $20,000 more than last year’s total.