Relay raises $73,000

By LAURA BEHENNA

Bigfork Eagle

An enthusiastic crowd of more than 100 coupled with a brief break of cooler weather July 20 made the 2007 Bigfork Relay for Life an inspiring evening of music, food, fun and community spirit.

"It was hugely successful again," event chairwoman Diane Kautzman said.

A half-moon shined overhead and Flathead Lake was calm below the high school football field, where teams with names like "Horsin' Around" and "God's Walkie Talkies" camped among scattered tents and canopies. Children hawked boxes of candy with all proceeds going to Relay for Life, an annual American Cancer Society fundraising event organized by local groups around the U.S.

About 80 cancer survivors walked the first lap around the track, then members of 29 teams took turns walking the track until 8 a.m. Saturday.

"We had people on the track all night long," Kautzman said. "One man walked all night. He never stopped."

The Relay had raised $73,000 as of Monday morning, she said. Eight thousand of that came from pledges to the Bigfork Relay for Life Web site, a new feature this year. This year's fundraising goal was $80,000.

"It's not too late," Kautzman said. "$7,000 is what we have left to raise." The deadline to make a Relay for life donation is Friday, Aug. 17. Donations may be brought to Flathead Bank at 800 Grand Drive and Highway 35, Kautzman said. She can be reached at 837-1600.