Relay for Life of Marquette County special speaker and cancer survivor Lisa Nichols, left, and Holly Nichols enjoy the festivities at the annual fundraising event at Marquette Senior High School. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)

MARQUETTE — Relay for Life of Marquette County held its annual fundraising event at Marquette Senior High School, from noon to midnight Saturday.

This year, 12 teams worked toward the goal of raising $60,000 for the American Cancer Society’s war on cancer. Relay for Life of Marquette County’s fundraising year is scheduled to end in September. Other than the federal government, the American Cancer Society is the largest donor for cancer research.

The event was moved from Al Quaal Recreation Area in Ishpeming to the Marquette athletic field in hopes of attracting more people, organizers said. Relay for Life depends on volunteer staff and community participation; however, in recent years attendance has been declining.

“We are hoping the Marquette community will embrace it,” said committee member and cancer survivor Sue Dionne. “We want people to say, ‘Wow this is great! How can we help next year? How can we keep this going?’ If you don’t have enthusiasm and participation, it will just fizzle away.”

This year’s event activities included the traditional track walk, family-friendly games and team-themed campsites. The campsites helped further fundraising efforts by collecting donations through the exchange of offering goods, games and activities. Cancer survivor Lisa Nichols was the special speaker for the evening. She shared her story in hopes of helping others going through similar experiences. As the sun went down, participants took part in a luminaria dedication ceremony to honor their lost loved ones, survivors and those currently battling some form of cancer.

The Landmark and Jet’s Pizza provided food, and Pepsi provided refreshments for attendees.

For more information or to donate, visit https://bit.ly/2ETGUYM.

Corey Kelly can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 243.