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NORTON - It was another in a series of events where the community has rallied together following a local tragedy but it was clearly the biggest yet.

About 300 turned out Friday night for a community walk-a-thon to benefit the Cann sisters that was scheduled to last until 7 this morning.

The event, sponsored by Norton public schools and the local YMCA and held at Norton High School, resembled a Relay For Life cancer fundraiser as participants walked around the school hallways in teams.

The walk, billed as "Together We Cann Raise Awareness," was supposed to have been held on the school's outdoor track but rain put a damper on those plans, and the event became a totally indoor one.

Spirits remained high, however, as residents and friends of the Cann sisters came together to raise money for the Cann Family Fund. Danielle, 16, and Brittany, 13, were both seriously wounded when they were shot in late August by their mother's former boyfriend. Their mother, Elizabeth, 44, was fatally shot but the sisters have made great strides in their recovery, with Brittany having been released from Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence where her sister remains.

Nearly 40 teams participating paid $50 entry fees, and that alone brought in about $1,400, not counting other donations.

"We're really happy a lot of people in the community showed up, and it was not just high schoolers," said Norton High junior Madeline Pizzuto, who was on the six-member planning committee for the event.

There were different theme hours, including a three-hour block kicking off the event that showcased school spirit, pajama time, and a Halloween celebration in the early morning hours.

The sleepover event also featured movies such as "Pirates of the Caribbean" in the auditorium as well as dancing to music and games such as Wiffle ball in the gymnasium,

In one classroom, participants made T-shirts they wore in their walks and squares for blankets for the sisters.

"It is exciting to see everyone get so into it," said Caroline McNeil, a junior and planning committee member. "Everyone is so spirited."

High school junior Devin Askew, one walker, said "I think it brings the school together for a good cause."

New Hope, the Attleboro area woman and family support organization, had a booth with information about domestic violence.

"How blessed I feel to be part of such an amazing community. Fractured as it may be at times, when someone needs our help, this town rallies around our own more than any other place I know of," said Johnna-Maria Masala, program director for the Norton YMCA Program Center. "They have been working so hard on this event. There are no words to express how impressed I am with them," Masala said of students, adding they are an inspiration to help the community recover as well. "They felt as though they needed to help this family as well as raise awareness regarding domestic violence."

Food and drinks were donated for the event.

The walk-a-thon is one of several benefits that have been held and are being held for the Canns.