FRANKLIN—Hundreds of people gathered, walked and celebrated at Saturday’s annual Relay For Life event. And walkers met and surpassed their fundraising goal, too.

“It was a beautiful day,” said Jane Riddick-Fries, event publicity chairman. “You couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

The event, which benefits the American Cancer Society, was held in the field adjacent to Bronco Federal Credit Union on Stewart Drive. The theme for this year’s Relay was “Cruise Aboard the USS Hope.”

Riddick-Fries said the fundraising goal was set at $127,000 and the 28 teams raised more than $128,000.

“We have activities that are still going on, too,” she said. “Teams will still be raising money throughout the summer.”

Jack Norvell won the Chester Burgess Award, given to someone who embodies the spirit of Relay.

“He dedicated a lot of time to supporting Relay,” Riddick Fries said. “He talks about Relay wherever he goes and is one of the co-chairs on the committee.”

Southampton Memorial Hospital was given the Pete Clark Award for its sponsorship and support of Relay.

That award, named in honor of the man who started WLQM radio, is given to a business that devotes considerable time to the yearly event.