Smithtown HS Relay For Life Teams Raise Nearly $100K

SMITHTOWN, NY — Smithtown high schools raised more than $95K in donations at a Relay for Life event held Saturday at Smithtown High School West, the school district announced.

The fundraising event, which for the first time included a team from Smithtown High School East, featured team members taking turns walking around the track for a total of 12 hours. Each team was asked to have a member on the track at all times to signify that cancer never sleeps.

Each team raised money by collecting donations for food, goods, games and activities that go to the American Cancer Society. This money counted toward their overall team fundraising goal.

Katie Goepfrich Schafer, executive director of the Long Island chapter of the American Cancer Society, thanked the Smithtown community for its support and fundraising efforts.

"On Saturday, we were able to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those who have lost their battle," Goepfrich Schafer told Patch. "The funds raised from this event will help the society fulfill its mission to end cancer as we know it for everyone, by addressing issues like access to quality care, funding groundbreaking research, and patient support."

New York State Sen. Mario Mattera awarded Certificates of Merit to students for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

"The passion our students show for our Relay For Life and the fight against cancer is truly amazing to watch," Smithtown High School West social studies teacher, Dillon Archer said in a news release.

As a result of their fundraising efforts, the Smithtown High School West team has finished as the number one youth relay event on Long Island.