Relay For Life of Bonney Lake began its inaugural walk Friday night and concluded Saturday at noon.

Teams raised nearly $41,500 and Mayor Neil Johnson, one of four speakers before the opening survivor’s lap, said he expected the event would grow to regular $200,000 donation totals in subsequent years, citing the Bonney Lake citizens’ habit of giving back to the community.

“This is how Relay For Life of Sumner began, when it split off from the Puyallup Relay,” he said, noting the success of the valley community’s Relay and why he believed Bonney Lake Relay would become its own powerhouse. This was the first year Bonney Lake split off from the Sumner event.

But he also worked in a playful jab of city rivalry: “Just remember we’re on the hill. They’re the ones down in the valley. And long after lahars sweep through the area, we’ll still be here. And we’ll still have Relay!”