Despite adverse weather, the 16th annual Warren County Relay for Life was “very successful,” according to Cari Biggs, event co-chair. Biggs said the event, which raises money for cancer research, raised $58,608.59, topping not only the fund-raising goal set for this year, but also the amount raised last year. A total of 154 luminarias also were sold. Luminarias are placed in honor of cancer survivors, those fighting cancer and those who have died as a result of the disease. Approximately $11,000 was raised Friday night alone, Biggs said. The fund-raising goal this year was $50,000. “It was nice to see the support we had,” Biggs stated. “I was very pleased that we met our goal. It’s nice to know there are a lot of people out there who support us.” Fund-raising for 2013 will continue through Aug. 31, Biggs said, noting that any money turned in through that date will count towards this year’s effort. Twenty-two teams, comprising 307 participants, registered this year. Biggs estimated that about 200 turned out for the event, which was themed “Carnival of Hope.” Heavy rains which passed through the area prior to the start of the event necessitated a move inside the fieldhouse on the Black Hawk Middle School campus.However, nature wasn’t through impacting the evening’s activities. As participants were lining up for the Survivors’ Lap, traditionally the first lap of the evening, public address announcer Roger Mauzy informed everyone that a tornado warning had been issued for the county. Everyone was instructed to move over to the basement at the Holy Rosary Family Center or to take shelter in the fieldhouse restrooms and locker rooms. A short time later, those who took shelter in the fieldhouse were told to go over to Black Hawk Middle School. Once the severe weather warnings were lifted, the Relay resumed, including the Survivors’ Lap and the Carol Dieckman Lap, named for the Warrenton police officer who lost a battle with cancer in 2012. Olivia Scales also performed “This Little Light of Mine,” and the luminaria ceremony also was held. “We made sure we had a few of the important things that were scheduled,” Biggs remarked. “We also had quite a few participants who stayed through the night,” she added, noting that all but two teams participated after activities resumed. “Overall, I was surprised by how many people stayed,” Biggs continued. “It was nice to see the kind of support we had. Everyone seemed to have a good time.” The event closed by about 12:30 a.m. Biggs said one participant sent her an email commenting that organizers did “very well” for having been forced to move the event inside the fieldhouse. “A lot of people said they liked having the event indoors,” Biggs said, adding that whether a permanent change will be made will have to be discussed between committee members, team captains and others involved with the event. “We want to thank the emergency services personnel for keeping us informed,” Biggs remarked. “People really cooperated well,” said Ralph Hellebusch, administrator of the Warren County Ambulance District, whose personnel were directing people to safety after the tornado warning was issued. Relay for Life logo