POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam hosts its fifth annual Relay for Life tonight at 7 p.m. in Maxcy Hall Fieldhouse. The opening ceremony for the American Cancer Society-sponsored event begins at 8 p.m.

Relay for Life gives people in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and raise funds to fight the disease.

The theme for this year's SUNY Potsdam relay is "Viva Las Vegas: What Happens at Relay, Stays at Relay," and promises to be a night filled with celebration, memories, fun and laughter.

This year, SUNY Potsdam's Relay for Life organizers hope to have 77 teams, 725 participants and to raise $53,000.

Organizers say they're on track to beat last year's record amount of $52,061.

Cancer survivors always do the first lap of the track, called the "survivors' lap." Any survivors from the campus or community can participate. This inspirational opening to the night's events unites survivors and volunteers alike, encouraging everyone to come together to fight the disease. During the second lap, caregivers join the survivors to walk alongside those that they have helped.

This year, SUNY Potsdam is also conducting a "virtual survivor lap" during the third lap of the evening. Pictures of cancer survivors will be displayed at that time to celebrate those who are not able to attend the event.

All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society, the largest sponsor of cancer research in the U.S.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.relayforlife.org/sunypotsdam.