Shepherd University student Claire Freeman tries her hand at one of the games available at the Relay for Life event, in the Suzanne Shipley Wellness Center on Saturday. Photo by Toni Milbourne

SHEPHERDSTOWN–The Jefferson County Relay for Life event presented by Shepherd University had a bit of a different look this year. Rather than beginning the Relay in the evening and going throughout the night, relayers began their laps at noon Saturday and concluded their walk at midnight. Themed ‘Going for Gold Against Cancer,’ the event, also traditionally held outdoors, was moved into the Shepherd Wellness Center due to inclement weather forecasts.

Melanie Ford, principal systems analyst at SU and Relay team member, shared that the change to mid-day to midnight gives more opportunity for people to participate who might not otherwise be able to do the all-nigh event.

“This gives everyone — family members, seniors, everyone, a better chance to participate,” she said.

The Relay continued past traditions of hosting themed laps throughout the evening to keep team members engaged and motivated. In addition, Ford said, each team participating faced challenges and activities during the Relay hours. In addition to those team challenges and themed laps, other special events took place during the evening. The Shepherd University dance team performed and taught some dance steps to those wishing to learn while the student bank also performed.

The monetary goal set for the 2025 Relay was $80,000. At the start of the afternoon’s festivities, teams had already raised nearly $79,000. By the time the event concluded at midnight Saturday, the tally had topped $82,633.

The top team for the Relay event, with funds currently sitting at just over $10,500 is Board of Hope. The team is led by Linda Myers-Hart and Dan Hart. Linda ranks as the top fundraising participant in the Relay with a current total of $6,510 raised. Christie Kave ranked second in the listing of top participants, raising $3,319 with Teresa Tumblin coming in a close third with $3,191.

Second to Board of Hope for top team was Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races with a total of $61,27 raised and Kave’s for a Kure ranking third with $4,463.

Funds can continue to be collected through the end of July, ensuring that the original goal will be far surpassed by summer’s end. One may visit acsevents.org to learn more about the Jefferson County/Shepherd University combined event as well as to donate before the end of July.