Luminaries light up the night during last weekend's Camp Out for Cancer. The annual event has raised more than $93,000 so far.

This year's third annual Camp Out for Cancer was once again a major success. The annual fund-raising walk-a-thon and camp out, held Sept. 16 and 17 by Support Transportation and Resource Services, raised more than $93,000, with money still coming in.

Ginger Rolf, STARS director and volunteer coordinator for Camp Out for Cancer, said "Our goal for this year was $100,000. We were a little worried that we would not even come close this year due to everything that has been happening in the county. We are very pleased with the results so far."

The event opened by recognizing around 100 people in a tribute to local cancer survivors. During the luminary ceremony, volunteers read more than 2,500 names of survivors and victims of cancer were read while the bags lit up the track.

Out of all the money raised, 90 percent of the money will help with local cancer needs, while 10 percent will go to research. This year the money will go to STARS' first priority - transportation.

"The money will go toward insurance, gas, maintenance and eventually replacement of one of the current vans," Rolf said.

More than 800 volunteers and 32 teams participated in this event, during which people walked over a 23-hour span around the Argonaut High School track. Clyde and Virginia Marney, also known as team No. 5, raised the most money coming in at just more than $9,000.

"I would like to thank the whole community for their help with this event," Rolf said. "It would not be a success without the help of every person that was out there."

On Monday, 482 inches of ponytails collected throughout Amador County will be sent to Locks of Love in honor of Camp Out for Cancer.

Donations for Camp Out for Cancer are still being accepted. If you are interested in donating, call the STARS office at 223-1246.

STARS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides local services to cancer survivors. STARS councils new cancer patients and also drives patients, at no cost, to doctors' appointments and chemotherapy, with the help of dozens of volunteer drivers. The STARS transportation is free. However, donations to the program are always accepted.

For more information or to make a reservation, call STARS at 223-1246. The office is at 631 Court St., Jackson.