Relay for Life teams from Wareham and the tri-town joined together in the fight against cancer for the first time this year.

In the 14th annual event held at the Wareham Middle School track on Saturday and Sunday, 23 teams and more than 300 people raised $70,000 as of June 17. Organizers said that an expected $90,000 would be donated before Aug. 31.

Relay For Life is a national American Cancer Association fundraising event that raises money for cancer research. It operates on a volunteer basis, and relies on community fundraising efforts.

Wareham residents from all walks of life arrived for the event, which featured music, food, creative costumes, activities and events that honored those who succumbed to the disease as well as those who survived.

Jordan Philips, a Wareham High School senior, was participating with Team Trey. Named after Trey Miranda, an Onset teenager who died of brain cancer recently, the team walked in his memory.

Philips said he grew up with Miranda in Onset, and the two were close friends.

“It’s an emotional day, being out here without him,” said Philips.

He said that the overwhelming support Miranda received via fundraisers and rallies was a testament to the community.

“I’m officially walking for Team Trey, but really I think everyone is on this team,” said Philips. “The whole community came out to help him, the school, people in town, everyone.”

Tricia Hackett, the event’s co-chair, said the two committees collaborated to make the fundraiser a success.

“We had some challenges merging the two events,” said Hackett. “But the two committees came together and really worked hard to make this event an awesome one for everybody.”

John Koors, a Relay for Life community manager, said this year’s event was designed to foster more participation following the merge.

“We wanted to create a sense of inclusion and get more families and kids involved,” said Koors. “A lot more interaction, more people staying up all night.”

Hackett said organizers were already looking forward to 2017’s Relay for Life.

“We hope everyone comes back next year,” said Hackett.

Even though the event ended June 19, it’s not too late to donate. Donations can be made online here.