Thanks to all who donated (oh yeah, and the winner is …)

Our annual Relay for Life is in the books.

And, for a change, we actually had decent weather. Despite it getting chilly at night, there was no rain (or snow) and if you kept moving, you kept warm. All in all, not to shabby.

That being said, if it was a day later, it was in the high 40s/low 50s the following night!

Anyway, the Relay was a success.

For those who don’t know the full story with the Relay, basically, teams raise money for the American Cancer Society and on the night of the event, set up around a track or something shaped like one. Then members of the team walk throughout the night. At one point, for an hour or two, the lights go out and the glow of luminaries light up the track.

I’ve taken part in this event since 2008 and am always amazed at how people give each year.

Our team, this year, was small. We had seven people and we combined to raise more than $2,500!

I was pretty stoked about that.

Personally, my account showed nearly $1,200, which I am super pumped about. For all of you who donated, please accept my thanks. I can’t express those thanks enough in words.

This disease touches millions of people. Hopefully they will eventually find a cure.

I actually started the fundraising this year a little late. That meant I also started the team late and we all got a late jump.

That didn’t seem to matter.

Our team stepped up and raised a whole heap of money. We raised more than many teams with more members. Way too cool. And to everyone who donated to me — or to others on the team — thanks so much. I am super stoked with what we were able to accomplish.

To be fair, too, we’re not all as young as we once were. Staying at these events all night is impossible. So most of us ducked out by 1 a.m. or so. The local Relay runs quite long, so many do this. When the final three of us left that night, there definitely wasn’t a member from each team walking on the track, as one is supposed to do. Alas, in my eyes, walking the track isn’t the most important thing here — raising money is. I look at what we did and I am really proud of it.

And next year, we’ll do the same.

Now, let’s get on what people probably want to hear. Well, those of you who donated to the cause.

For those who donated to me or my mother’s Relay account, you were entered to win a fantastic quilt or the pillow.

Honestly, with all the donations we received, I truly wish I could give away something to everybody who donated. I really do. Alas, it’s just not possible.

Those who donated received one entry per $5 they donated. We ran all the names this morning through the Random.org generator and the winners are…

Quilt: Mike Davis

Pillow: Alma Reynolds

Congratulations to both winners, you will be contacted! And a true thanks to everyone who donated! It’s appreciated more than I can express!

Hopefully, next year, we’ll figure some great things to raffle off as well!

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!