It’s time once again for the annual American Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life event June 6 and 7 on the track at Joe Knowles Field on the South Kitsap High School campus.

This is the American Cancer Society’s signature public awareness and fundraising activity.

This year, Relay for Life founder Dr. Gordy Klatt will be the guest speak on Friday night.

Hundreds of people are expected to participate in the 18-hour event, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday with an opening ceremony and survivors lap and runs until noon June 7.

This year, 44 teams with 382 participants have signed up  for this year’s event.

The event raised $160,000 in 2013, but this year’s goal has increased.

“Our fundraising goal is $175,000 and we are currently at a little over $75,000,” said Judy Arnold, SK Relay committee member. “Here’s hoping for great weather on Friday and Saturday.

At 10 p.m., the Luminaria ceremony is scheduled. The ceremony is a time to remember people who have succumbed to cancer, to support people who currently have cancer, and to honor people who have fought cancer in the past.

All proceeds from the event are donated to the American Cancer Society for cancer research, caregivers, gas for driving back-and-forth for treatment, and lodging for families.

During the event, each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times.

Relay for Life, which has grown into a global event, was started in May 1985 by Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon who spent 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound to show support for his patients who battled cancer.

Through the support of his friends, family and patients, he raised $27,000 that year to fight cancer.

For more information, visit www.RelayForLifeofSouthKitsp.org or on their Facebook page.