Nearly $22,000 was raised recently to help bring a cancer center to Calhoun thanks to the Gordon Hospital Foundation’s Run for Your Life 5k event.

According to Judy Jackson, director of development for the hospital, a total of $21,806 was raised from the event in which 486 people registered and 362 crossed the finish line.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone that helped make our 5k run such a success,” Jackson said. “This event, as well as all of our special events this year, will benefit our future cancer center so that cancer patients in our community can receive their treatment here at home instead of having to travel out of town.”

Halstead International of Thomas Street in Calhoun was presented the award for the largest participating company group with 77 runners and walkers in the event. In addition, Halstead President and CEO Harlan Stone presented Jackson with a donation of $6,363 on behalf of the Calhoun company, the Connecticut headquarters, himself, Peter Stone, and Daniel Ruben.

“It is great to team build around something like this,” Stone said as he presented the donation to Jackson. “Nobody has exemption from cancer.”

Jackson, a three-time cancer survivor, agreed.

“Calhoun and Gordon County are truly blessed to have such caring residents and businesses like Halstead International that genuinely care about our community,” she said. “Thanks to them, we are one step closer to bringing our dream of a local cancer center to fruition.”

Michelle Faulkner was the top female finisher of the race with a time of 24:03, while Robert Davis took home the top male finisher award with a time of 19:07.