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SALISBURY, MD---For the past three years, ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥’s Relay For Life has been named one of the top collegiate Relays in the nation and organizers are gearing up for another highly successful event in May.

Opening ceremonies for the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event begin 6 p.m. Friday, May 4, at SU’s Intramural Fields.  Closing ceremonies are 6 a.m. Saturday, May 5. Nearly 90 teams of SU students, faculty and staff are participating along with families and community groups.

“We are very excited about this year’s event and our fundraising efforts are in full-swing,” said junior Julie Bayer, co-chair of the upcoming Relay. “It’s an awesome night and all of our donations go directly to the society and its services.”  She said organizers hope this year’s Relay will convey to participants more about the mission of the ACS.

More than $50,000 has already been pledged.  All proceeds benefit cancer research, education, patient services and advocacy programs.

Last year, SU’s Relay was No. 2 in the nation among mid-size colleges, raising some $138,000 for the society, said Kim Bartlett, former SU co-chair. The amount surpassed 2005 totals, despite bad weather and a shift indoors that prevented some teams from participating, she said.

With the hope of increasing participation and dollars raised, organizers are continuing the fight against cancer online again this year, with an interactive Web site that accepts registrations and credit card donations.  For more information about the event and cancer related topics visit the site at .

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide community-based organization dedicated to eliminating cancer through efforts such as Relay For Life, which in the past 20 years has spread to more than 4,500 U.S. communities and 12 foreign countries. For more information contact Bayer at Relay4Life@salisbury.edu.