One of UNC's largest student fundraisers hopes to reach a milestone this weekend by topping $1 million in UNC's fight against cancer.
The seventh annual Relay for Life is expected to see more than 1,300 students participate. Activities kick off at 6 p.m. today in an opening ceremony and last until 2 p.m. Saturday.
Relay for Life is an annual nationwide event in support of the American Cancer Society.
Since the first relay in 1985, the event has spread to about 4,800 communities and universities across the U.S. and eight foreign countries.
Teams must keep at least one person walking around the Fetzer Field track at all times.
There are 135 teams of 15 registered at UNC, short of the goal of 200 set this fall. Committee members also hoped to raise about $180,000 to meet the $1 million goal.
The organization needs a big last-minute push to meet that mark. As of 7:30 p.m. Thursday $101,814.71 has been reported, according to the American Cancer Society.
"We're hoping by the end of the event on Saturday that we can say for sure that we have raised $1 million," said Mark Shifflet, event co-chairman.
Relay for Life raises money by sponsoring concerts and other events throughout the school year, as well as seeking donations from race participants and the general public.