FRANKLIN—Driven by the loss of co-worker and friend Robin Bulls, the Blake’s Mustangs Franklin-Southampton Relay for Life team has raised more than $6,000 heading into Saturday’s annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

A bookkeeper with Blake Ford Mercury for 28 years, Bulls lost her battle with cancer in January. The car dealership’s team has worked hard to meet and surpass its $6,000 goal, said owner Blake Blythe.

“It was a lot of work, but we raised the money,” Blythe said.

The relay team has held two dances as well as a cornhole tournament and car show in May to raise money. The group is selling cookbooks for $10 with recipes from friends and family of Bulls.

Blake’s Mustangs is one of 27 teams and 336 participants that will participate in the Saturday, June 4, Relay for Life at Bronco Federal Credit Union on Stewart Drive in Franklin. The event starts at 10 a.m. with opening ceremonies, which include a survivors’ walk, and ends at 8 p.m. with a luminaries display.

Franklin/Southampton Relay for Life Chairman Jim Jervey said almost all participants have been touched by cancer.

“All of our guys have a reason to help fight cancer,” Jervey said. “A lot of times it touches close to home.”

Other teams, like the Greenbacks from Bronco Federal Credit Union, held a bingo night and a softball tournament, said committee public relations chairwoman Amanda Munford.

Relay teams have raised close to $98,000 toward a goal of $128,000 this year, and teams have until August to finish fundraising.

“Our community is so giving and there are so many groups out there,” Jervey said. “It’s amazing to see what our volunteers can do during delicate times. I had no idea we’d raise this much money this year.”

Activities at this year’s relay include a performance by the R.S. Cloggers, a disco and dance party, Zumba and praise dancers.

The event will include special laps, like a backward lap and a Parrot Head lap with a prize awarded for Best Show of Island Spirit.