SUMMERDALE, Alabama — The Central Baldwin Relay for Life event, held Friday night in Summerdale, raised over $30,000 for the American Cancer Society, according to event organizers.

“I just want to thank everyone that came out and helped with the event,” said event organizer Jessica Devine with Lee Drugs, who was the title sponsor for this year’s event. “We had a great turnout despite the cold weather. In particular we had a good number of survivors turn out Friday night and for the survivors’ dinner on Monday. This event is all about the survivors and it’s good to see that they were well represented.”

The event kicked off on Monday with a packed house at the survivors’ dinner, held at Mama Lou’s in Robertsdale. Mama Lou’s provided the meal for survivors while Coca-Cola provided beverages. Mack Funeral Home also served as a sponsor for the event.

Bank night was held Tuesday night at the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce building in Robertsdale with the event held Friday night at Pioneer Park in Summerdale.

 “Carnival for a Cure” was the theme for this year’s event. Nearly 20 teaqms and more than 80 participants signed up on the Relay for Life website.

Something new for this year’s event was the womanless beauty pageant which raised over $1,000, Devine said.

The event also included a survivor’s walk, zumba and a lap in honor of Hope Lodge, which offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free, temporary place to stay where cancer treatment centers are available.

Currently there are 31 Hope Lodge locations throughout the United States, including the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham. Those attending the Central Baldwin Relay were asked to bring non-perishable items to donate to the Lodge.

Devine she also wished to express gratitude to the Town of Summerdale, Tim Brown Entertainment and Xtreme Xterminating, and all of the sponsors who helped make the event possible.

In addition to Lee Drugs, sponsors for the event included Tanger Outlets, H&R Block, Foley, Coca-Cola, Wades Lawn Care, Colony Homes LLC, Salac Farms in memory of Jami Salac, Bancorp South, ERAClass.com, Beachside Furniture, Datatrust Technologies and Consultants Inc., Mack Funeral Home, Wholesale Optical, Billie Joe Underwood CPA, Foley Implement, Foley Flea Market, Woodlands Medical Specialists, Racine’s Feed, Garden and Supply, Middleton Auto Parts, Sweat Tire, Baldwin EMC, Summerdale Peanut Co., Central Glass Co., Gruenloh & Associates, Gulf Coast Newspapers, Maintenance Solutions, Mike and Johnny’s Tractor, Murphy’s Custom Hay, Century21 Zimlach, Coastal Title Inc., Robertsdale First Assembly of God church, and Baldwin Tractor and Equipment.

While Relay for Life is a main fundraising arm for the American Cancer Society, opportunities to donate are available year-round. For more information visit the ACS website at cancer.org. For more information on Relay for Life, visit relayforlife.org.