The numbers compared to recent years are likely down, but the organizers of the 2008 Cancer Crusade Gala indicated the 27th annual event was still a huge success.

“With the economy, I was tickled to death with the crowd,� said Gerald Donovan, who along with his brother, Fred, owns the Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant, where the gala is held.

The annual “Celebration of Life� was organized by the brothers in tribute to their father, Frederick J. Donovan, who died of cancer. The first event in 1982 raised $5,300. Last year’s gala raised over $426,000 for the American Cancer Society (ACS). The funds are used for research, education, advocacy and patient services. Approximately 40 percent of the funds raised from the gala stay in Calvert, according to the ACS.

To date, the annual celebration has netted $3.4 million.

With higher gasoline prices, electric bills and a sluggish housing market, Donovan indicated that the event’s volunteers were braced for a challenge.

“We knew the numbers would be down,� said Donovan. “But with the smaller-size crowd with no lines, I’ve gotten nothing but compliments.�

Bob and Pat Carpenter served as honorary chairs of the gala. “They did an outstanding job,� said Donovan. “They introduced new people to the gala and brought in about $100,000 in new money. Plus, they were sweethearts to work with.�

Donovan also praised Chef William Bednar, who used his connections with several chefs from the Food Channel Network to provide gala-goers with something different.

“The whole culinary experience seems to be getting better,� said Donovan.

While the gala is a taxing effort for the volunteers, the Rod ‘N’ Reel and Chesapeake Resort and Spa’s staffs also work hard. Donovan indicated Monday that since the businesses had another busy August weekend, there has not been time to do the math for the 2008 Cancer Crusade Gala. Final numbers are expected later this week.

Donovan indicated the 2009 gala is already in the early planning stages. “We’re working on it,� he said.