The magnitude of the event, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, became clear at dusk, when the luminaria lighting ceremony was held to honor those who have battled cancer.

The track at Dublin Jerome High School was lined with more than 800 bags, each of which contained a lighted candle. The bags featured the names of cancer survivors and those who lost their fight.

In the bleachers, luminaria bags were arranged to spell the word "HOPE." During the ceremony, the bags were moved to spell "CURE."

"It's a sight to behold," said event organizer Stephanie Reed.

There were 47 teams and more than 300 people on line before the event, ready to walk the track during the nearly 24-hour fundraiser. Teams keep one member on the track at all times, even during the overnight hours, to symbolize that the fight against cancer "never sleeps," according to Reed.

She said the goal for this year is to raise $70,000 to help fight cancer. Relay raised $24,000 in online donations before the event; the fundraising total had reached $53,000 on Tuesday, Reed said.

Teams have until the end of August to raise funds, she said.

The American Cancer Society is fielding three times as many calls from people who have lost their jobs and insurance coverage and need assistance, Reed said.

There were several ways for participants to make donations at Relay For Life. Supporters could throw a pie in a team member's face or put anyone in "jail."

The sign outside the tent for Team David Rocks read "1$ to Jail, 2$ to Bail."

For $1, supporters could send anyone to the Alcatraz-themed tent. To get out of "jail," people had to post bail.

"A lot of people have fun with that," said Amy Nichols of Dublin. "Kids have a lot of fun with that and putting their parents in jail."

Nichols' son, David, the inspiration for the team's name, survived a malignant brain tumor.

At "Lauren's Land: Where Love and Laughter Reign," a $5 donation from parents gave children access to an inflatable playground, a magician and a balloon artist.

Rick and Trish Colby of Dublin solicited funding to provide the play area. The couple lost their 8-year-old daughter, Lauren, to cancer in 2007.

"A family that has experienced so much loss is finding the energy to fight back, and we're dedicating our children's area to the memory of Lauren," Reed said.

New this year was Alex's Rescue Team. Clad in green T-shirts with signs safety-pinned to their backs, the team rallied around Alex Pothast of Plain City, who is battling liver cancer.

"We're just trying to help Alex and sell some iced tea," said Tim Pothast, Alex's father, "and to bring everyone to rally around Alex and support the American Cancer Society."

The team sold tea and baked goods under the banner of "Fishing for a cure."

"The good part about this is (the money) goes to the cancer society," Alex Pothast said.

(Right) Luminaria bags were dedicated to cancer victims and survivors by family members and friends.