It's different than most of the relays conducted to benefit the American Cancer Society. It's a student-run activity, which is drawing the praise of society officials.

Mike Lysakowski, the society's community income development specialist, said that Westminster is "pretty much setting the standard" for college relays. A recent relay at a larger college raised 30 percent less than the $31,000 Westminster raised last year, Lysakowski said. Planning has gone well for the relay, which is "one of few run by students," said junior Mike DaVia, 2002 chairman of the event. Because it is student-run, Westminster's event stands out from many of the others, DaVia added.

Lysakowski said the reason for such success at Westminster is the commitment of the people involved in planning the relay. "I think the relay was started five years ago with such an outstanding commitment … it has spread to those younger," Lysakowski said.

DaVia said this is a transition year in which a record number of teams have registered. "We've gone from a few teams to every organization on campus being involved," he said. Some 50 teams have signed up to participate, and the average team includes 10 to 15 people.

The fraternity expects to raise more money than last year, DaVia said. Raising $20,000 will put their five-year total at more than $100,000. All money raised during the relay will be used for the society's cancer research and programs.

The event and fund raising was kicked off with a party for the campus on Feb. 26 and a separate party was held for the community on March 20. Twenty to 30 high school students attended the second party as well as other members of the community.

Activities during the relay include a survivor walk and luminaria ceremony.

The survivor walk will take place at 1 p.m. following a noon reception. According to Anne Poland, survivor walk chair, the names of the survivors will be read as they walk the track at Burry Stadium.

"Anyone who...has or had cancer can be a part of the walk," Poland said. "This is to show that these are the results of our fund raising. This is how cancer research is working. These are the people who are alive because of research."

Registration begins at noon for survivors on the day of the event.

Luminaria can be bought in memory of a loved one who has died of cancer or someone who has survived. Teams that sign up for the relay sell luminaria as a fund-raiser.

"So far, we have received donations of around $2,000 for about 300 bags," said Kutila Warner, luminaria chair. "We expect many more the day of the event." Luminaria can be bought the day of the relay for a $5 minimum donation.

The luminaria ceremony is scheduled for between 7 p.m. and dusk. "The bags will line the outside of the track, and the name of each person honored will be read to the crowd at this time," Warner said.

During the relay, a disc jockey will play music and refreshments will be sold. The night will end with fireworks from Zambelli Internationale Fireworks of New Castle.

According to the society, Relay for Life began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt raised $27,000 during a 24-hour walk/run in Tacoma, Wash. The next year 220 supporters joined him in the event.

People wanting to participate in or donate to Westminster's relay should call the society's Lawrence County unit at (724) 656-8911.

Other area Relays for Life will be held since nearly every county hosts more than one. They include:

• Relay for Life of Shenango will be held from 7 p.m. May 17 to 5 p.m. May 18 at Shenango High School, New Castle. Contact Bruce Bauman at (724) 656-8911 or bbauman@cancer.org for more information.

• Relay for Life of Mercer from 9 a.m. June 8 until 9 a.m. June 9 at the Mercer High School track. Contact Pamela Voisey at (724) 346-3529 or pvoisey@cancer.org for more information.

• Relay for Life of Greenville from noon July 19 to noon July 20 at Greenville High School track. Contact Voisey for more information.