Palm Harbor 2013 Relay for Life Raises More Than $65,000

Bad weather wasn't enough to stop Palm Harbor's Relay for Life teams from raising more than $65,000 to fight cancer. The team raised a total of $65,876, according to the most recent tally on the team's website.

The threat of storms prompted organizers to move the April 12 event from its usual location on the athletic track of Palm Harbor University High to The Centre, which is nearby.

Relay for Life organizer Christen Tonry, who is also the principal of Palm Harbor University High, said that they realized a change in location might be needed a few hours before the event was scheduled to begin. Wind gusts of about 20-30 mph collapsed the "survivor" tent that was set up on the track at the high school.

Erica Lynford, who is the director of the centre, offered use of the facility, which has a room that was large enough for the teams to set up their booths.

"She put on her cape and came to the rescue," said Tonry.

The teams still participated in the traditional walk, but it was held in a grassy area on the side of The Centre's main building.

Together, the teams raised a total of $65,876. Palm Harbor Fire Rescue's team raised the most money, bringing in $11,695. The Housewives of Palm Harbor, who showed off some very big hairdos on Relay night, came in second place raising $10,494. Nationwide Title Clearing came in a close third place with $10,183.

“Our employees voluntarily contribute to this cause every year and each year I have seen their sense of satisfaction grow,"  said John Hillman, CEO of Nationwide Title Clearing.  

"Working together as a team for a good cause outside the company, makes working here more than just a job and more like part of a family," he added.

Tonry estimated that about 1,000 people attended the 2013 Relay for Life.

See how much money the top Palm Harbor Relay for Life teams raised during the 2013 event. 

Related:

• Relay for Life: Tonight's Event Moved to the Centre
• Ozona Elementary School Pushes Back Against Ravages of Cancer—Participates in Relay For Life of Palm Harbor
• Local High School Students Join Fight Against Cancer for Third Consecutive Year 
• Decade of Commitment: Team “Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce” Participates in 10th Relay For Life 
• Young Cancer Survivor to Lead Local Relay for Life Team
• Team Gears Up For Relay For Life Palm Harbor
• Relay For Life of Palm Harbor Celebrates Cancer Survivors

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