The Suffolk Relay For Life shattered its fundraising goal in 2013 and tallied the largest amount raised in the history of the Suffolk Relay.

The Relay, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, raised about $250,145, community manager Angela Francis said at a Monday wrap-up meeting. The goal was $240,000. The previous record was $247,818, set in 2004.

“We met our goal, but the ultimate goal is for no one to have to hear the words, ‘You have cancer,’” event chair Ginny Lee Melton said.

Monday’s wrap-up event, held at the King’s Fork Community House, honored top teams, fundraisers and sponsors. The city of Suffolk was named the top team, having raised $29,500. The top individual fundraiser was Lynda Carroll of the Caffeine Commandos team, who raised $6,017.

Francis said 78 teams participated in the event, along with 985 individuals and about 100 cancer survivors, who receive special recognition at Relay.

Melton acknowledged the hard work of sponsors, participants and volunteers who helped make the event a success.

“We are proud of everyone,” she said. “It takes every person that gives, whether they dropped some change in a change jar or they’re a major sponsor.”

Sponsors and volunteers were supportive as always, Melton said.

“We are very appreciative of our sponsors,” she said. “The city of Suffolk has been great with their support, both through their teams and their support of Relay as a whole. It was a lot of hard work, and we cannot do it without each and every volunteer, no matter how small.”

The American Cancer Society already is gearing up for next year’s Relay, which will be held May 16-17. The website for the coming year opens Sept. 4 and can be found at www.relayforlife.org/suffolkva. The Facebook page can be found here.