Submitted photos Festivities for Carly’s Crossing took place after the Carly’s Crossing event.

OBSERVER Staff Report

IRVING — More than 100 swimmers took to the waters off Sunset Bay on Sunday morning as part of the Carly’s Crossing open-water challenge for Carly’s Club at Roswell Park.

Those who braved the spring-like temperatures around 9 a.m. raised more than $100 to take part in the half-mile or mile course off the shores of the Sunset Bay Beach Club. Besides those swimming, Chuck Collard, one of the founders of Carly’s Club was in attendance, as well as Dr. Alan Barnett, founding partner and president emeritus of Athenex.

Started by 8-year-old Carly Collard Cottone, Carly’s Club exists to offer hope by funding life-saving research. Following the swim, a family-friendly beach bash, games and live music were part of the festivities. It was the 15th year of the event.

Funds raised from the event allow Carly’s Club to financially assist cutting-edge pediatric cancer research and provide support programs for children with cancer or blood disorders and their families. Since its inception in 2002, Carly’s Crossing has raised more than $1.5 million for Carly’s Club.