Berlin Relay For Life Raises $76,000 in 24 hours

While the Berlin Relay for Life came up just short of it's goal of raising $82,500 this year, American Cancer Society Partner Lynn Kipphutt was happy with the $76,000 raised this year.

"People can still donate to the Relay until August 1 online so we might still get to the goal," Kipphutt said. "And this year was about bringing the fun back to the Relay in Berlin and we definitely did that. We had amazing entertainment and the experience was positive from everybody I talked to."

The Relay team captains got together Monday night to wrap up the Relay and give out awards for the top fundraisers.

Rick Pattavina raised $11,000 himself to blow away the competition in individual fundraising. Vin Biscoglio, who raised $3,000 and Dan Brini, who raised $2,000 were next at second and third.

The top team was Friends for Life, captain Noel Sherman, with over $12,000. Team Irish, captain Carol Reed, was next at $7,000 and Ava's Mom, captain Ceil Biscoglio, raised $6,000. The next top teams were: Team Phyllis, Amanda's Pandas, Home Cooking, The Mayers of Berlin, Gorgeous Souls, Gail's Gladiators, Rising Sun Lifesavers and Stepping Stones. 

ACS also awarded Spirit Awards. The best campsite decoration was awarded to Team Heroes. The best campsite fundraiser went to Amanda's Pandas and the Newcomer Award went to Home Cooking. 

"It was a great event," Kipphutt added. "We have a great committee but we can always use more help. We will likely start a little earlier with a kick-off possibly in November so that teams will have more time to raise money. We will be at the Berlin Fair at our booth and we have fundraisers all year long with this Berlin group. It is a pleasure to work with the Berlin community."