A few dozen riders from Georgia, Tennessee and Mississippi came together Saturday at the Western Saddle Club for a trail ride though Berry College’s wildlife management area.

The group released a mass of balloons from the center of the arena to cap off the afternoon.

Many riders stayed at the club to enjoy a bonfire and camping Saturday night.

“Today totally exceeded my expectations,” said Canter 4 Cancer organizer Cyndy Ferguson. “I was just overwhelmed by the support from family, friends and the local community.”

The event was a fundraiser for Cancer Navigators and the Canter 4 Cancer team is part of the nonprofit’s Cast Off Against Cancer fundraising campaign that is under way. Its benefit celebration is slated for next Sunday, April 22, from 2-6 p.m. at the Harbin Clinic Tony E. Warren M.D. Cancer Center.

Ferguson doesn’t have a fundraising total yet because they will continue to raise money through the coming week. The Canter 4 Cancer team will continue to sell T-shirts, magnets and Cancer Navigators wristbands at Buffey’s Tanning and Style Salon in Central Plaza in Rome.

“Cyndy and her group wanted to help us because they know every dollar stays here in our community and they know the impact we have on the lives of those dealing with cancer,” said Charlotte Atkins, the executive director of Cancer Navigators who participated in the ride.