Sonoma State University students have raised more than $4,700 for the American Cancer Society in advance of the Relay for Life event scheduled for May 15-16.

It is the first time SSU students have hosted a Relay for Life event.

Eighteen teams made up of 136 participants plan to run and walk around the track at the football field on campus to generate funds and awareness about cancer. At least one member of the team must be on the track at all times.

The theme for the event is “An Evening at the Movies.” Each team has been asked to decorate their site in a movie theme and come up with a cancer-related twist.

Opening ceremonies, including a Survivor’s Lap, are at 10 a.m. Saturday. A Luminaria Ceremony will be held at 9 p.m. The Fight Back closing ceremony is at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

For more information, go to www.relayforlife.org/sonomastateca

If you are planning on participating in the event, take some photos and email them to me. I’ll try to post here.