Relay goes $30,000 over the top

This year's Golden Gate Relay for Life Chairman Rosemary Dohan had her sights set on exceeding her $52,000 goal to benefit the American Cancer Society, but she never expected to vault the bar by $30,000.

Photo by KAYDEE TUFF, Collier Citizen

Jim and Pam Madore, of Team Vanderbilt, are congratulated by relay organizer Celia Curtis and Golden Gate Chairman Rosemary Dohan for attaining Platinum status by raising $25,000.

"The final figure is $82,728.04," Dohan announced during the group's wrap-up celebration, May 25, at the Vanderbilt Country Club. "We just keep growing and growing, that's what it's all about. Thank you for making me look good and you-all look really good to me!" Dohan, an eight-year cancer survivor, pledged to shave her head if the groups exceed $100,000 in fundraising next year.

The top fundraising team was Team Vanderbilt, which raised over $25,000, giving the group "platinum" status. Second place went to Cornerstone Methodist Church, third place to Vineyards Elementary School, fourth place to Big Cypress Elementary School and fifth place to Golden Gate Elementary School.

The Spirit Stick award was presented to Boy Scout Troop 25 and the Campsite Award to Golden Gate High School JROTC.

The Community Blood Center conducted a blood drive in conjunction with this year's relay and collected 150 pints of blood. Golden Gate High School took first place for the most blood donated, with 42 pints.

Golden Gate Elementary School took second with 33 pints and Vineyards Elementary school took third place with 28 pints of blood.

Plans are already underway for next year's event, which will be held Apr. 13-14 at Golden Gate High School.