The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Dallas County has concluded its 2017- 2018 year. Relay for Life is an effort by the American Cancer Society to raise funds in support of cancer research and treatment.

Teams worked for months fundraising and campaigning to raise funds for the cause, and this year Dallas County raised $104, 665.

Alvin Craig, Relay for Life event team lead, said this year was still a success even with less participation than previous years.

“We did about the same [amount as last year] with a lesser amount of people,” he said.

Participating teams and community members gathered June 1 at the Selma Lions Park to celebrate the survivors and the hard work everyone involved put forth.    Luminaries lined the park in memory of those that have passed away from cancer. As a last effort to raise funds, several teams set up tents and booths during the event. While some team members stayed at the booth, some walked throughout the relay earning “relay bucks” for their team.

However, Craig said due to a chance of inclement weather some teams were not present, so the participation during the relay was lower than usual.

The event was kicked off with a cancer survivors lap, care-givers lap and the real men wear pink lap. The night ended with a release of sky lanterns in honor of those who have passed away from cancer.

The categorizes for the teams were family, schools, civic organizations, businesses, churches, online fundraising, top overall individual fundraiser and top overall fundraiser.

“Overall I’m happy, I’m ecstatic,” Craig said.

First place for the family team category was Morgan family and friends, second place was the McCall family and third place was Lowe’s Lookup.

The first place for civic organizations was Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Byrd and parents came in first for the schools, BK Craig Elementary came in second and the Clark Tigers were third.

Local businesses hold a friendly competition each year, and this year Wal-mart was the victor. Vaughan Regional Medical Center was second and Team Orrville came in third place.

Greater St. Paul won first place for the churches and Morning Star Baptist Church was second.

Team Orrville had the most online donations.

The top overall individual fundraiser was Diane Harris. Harris raised a total of    $1,371. Walmart reigned supreme, as they were the top overall fundraiser raising more than $21,000.