This year’s Relay for Life raised a single-year record for theevent that has been held in Brookhaven for more than 10 years, buta final fundraising total is not yet available, said RelayChairwoman Terry Lynn Watkins.

“It’ll probably be a week or so before we know for sure, butright now we’re over $98,000, which is the most in Lincoln County’shistory,” she said.

Watkins attributed the success of the event to a larger teamparticipation.

“We had several new teams this year. I think just getting newpeople involved helps,” she said. “Every year we try to grow alittle bit more.”

Watkins said there were at least 20 teams this year. And whilenot all of them set up tents, they all raised money for thecause.

Meanwhile, even at this early stage, the total is up $20,000over last year in the effort to raise funds for cancerresearch.

“We made $78,000 last year, but it was down a little,” Watkinssaid. “We felt it was probably because of the hurricane (Katrina).We had some people who always participated that didn’t last year,but they were back this year.”

She said the general attendance was up from last year aswell.

“We owe so much to the Exchange club for allowing us to have itat their park,” she said. “It really brings people in with theirkids. It’s a place where you’re comfortable letting your childrengo play.”

Watkins said more than anything, organizers of Relay for Lifewant the people who participated to know how grateful they are forthe support.

“We want to thank everyone that was involved in it, because itreally makes you feel good to see people come together,” she said.”Cancer knows no bounds, and it crosses all barriers, social andeconomic. It affects everyone.”