Update: Relay for Life Raises More than $60,000

Updated 10:45 a.m., Monday, Aug. 29

Jennifer Dudley made good on her promise to shave her head Sunday morning.

The event chair for , an annual fundraiser and 24-hour run/walk for cancer awareness, Dudley vowed to shed her bright purple locks, dyed to match the color of the American Cancer Society, if the event were to raise $50,000.

The total exceeded that amount, and doubled the original goal of $30,000. Before the event started Saturday morning, the event had already generated about $35,000 to fight cancer. But by the time the event closed Sunday, the community had raised $61,272.87, according to Dudley.

"I truly don't have enough words to express my amazement and gratitude for what we, as a community, were able to put together," Dudley said in an email Monday.

Union City's sixth Relay for Life, the event brought hundreds to 's track on Saturday, Aug. 27.

The event kicked off at 10 a.m. Saturday and ended 10 a.m. Sunday, with members of the Relay for Life team taking turns shaving Dudley's head.

About 350 individuals between 43 teams were pre-registered for the 24-hour walk/run to help fight against cancer. At least one person from each team was to remain on the track at all times for the duration of the event.

During the event, survivors gave speeches and opened the relay with a special survivors lap. They were met at the end of the lap by supporters and adorned with medals to honor the amazing feat of tackling terminal illnesses.

Each participating team set up their own booth to help fundraise for the American Cancer Society. Some had goods for sale, some had games. Other booths were set up by local businesses, such as a a local chiropractor who offered free stretches. 

"Everyone I met this weekend helped to make this a spectacular event," Dudley said. "I didn't meet a single person who didn't say, 'What can I do to help?' I saw people helping people, campsites helping campsites, and teams helping teams. I saw us come together as a community."

But the ending of the 2011 Relay for Life is only the beginning for next year's event, Dudley said.

"I am already visionalizing being on the stage announcing that we again doubled our goals," she said.

To see some of the action from Relay For Life, check out the photo gallery above. 

If you took part in Relay for Life, please take a moment to share some personal experiences from throughout the day in the comment box below and add your photos to the gallery by clicking the "add photos" link above.