Students and members of the SMU community walking on the boulevard for the Relay For Life fundraiser last year. (SMC File)

The Boulevard will be crowded again this year as Relay for Life participants begin walking from Friday at 5:30 p.m. until 5:30 a.m. Saturday.

Founded in 2003, Relay For Life raises money for the American Cancer Society.

“Relay for Life is a great opportunity for the SMU community to get together and raise money to fight against cancer,” freshman participant Karin Kuusisto said. “It is fun to be able to walk and know you are making a positive difference.”

While team fundraising and sponsorship help to raise money, so do luminaria sales.

Luminarias, which are candle-lit bags that can be purchased in memory of someone who has passed away from cancer, or in honor of someone who is either currently battling against or has won the battle with cancer.

They will be lit during the Luminaria Ceremony Friday during the event.

This year’s Relay has 45 teams and 645 participants registered. This is the largest number of participants in Relay history at SMU.

“We expect to have a more diverse attendance at the event,” Kayla Klingseisen, the co-event chair for the Relay Committee, said.

This year, junior Trigg Burrage will perform a magic act at the event.

All Funk Radio Show, Tiffany Houghton, Treble Creek, the SAE Band, Mustang Maverick and Mario Quinones will also offer entertainment throughout the night.

“Some of the activities include a game of Assassin, Wing-eating contest and Relay races,” Megan Marchant, a member of the Relay Committee, said.

During the event, different prizes will be offered, such as two NASCAR pit passes, a Kaplan Scholarship worth $2,000 and a suite for a Stars game next season.

Currently, more than $51,000 have been raised.

“We still have quite a bit to [be] raised to reach our goal of $105,000, so this year fundraising at the actual Relay is going to be more crucial than ever,” Shannon Smith, publicity chair for Relay for Life, said.

Smith encourages all Mustangs to come out and support their cause.

“We want everyone to come out and participate in all of the fun activities we have planned,.” Smith said.

If you are interested in joining a team and raising money, visit

www.relay.org/smutx.