There are still several months before the 16th annual Santa Clarita Valley Relay for Life, but signups are already open to register teams and local event organizers are hosting a series of “Tech Nites” to help supporters get the word out online.

Sign-ups and planning for the 16th annual Santa Clarita Relay for Life have already begun. This year’s relay starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 17 at Central Park.

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At least 73 teams, totalling nearly 300 participants have already signed up for the local event to raise money for cancer research.

For those who need help registering for the relay, setting up their team’s home page or sending emails to supporters, Relay for Life of the Santa Clarita Valley is hosting a series of “Tech Nites” on the first and third Thursday of every month, through May 1.

The first one was held last Thursday in the Barnes & Noble community room. The next “Tech Nite” is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Westfield Valencia Town Center food court.

The location will alternate between Barnes & Noble and the mall food court.

Last year, the SCV’s 15th annual Relay for Life drew 136 teams for a total of 1,566 participants, raising more than $294,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Related Article: 15th Annual Santa Clarita Valley Relay For Life Opening Ceremony

This year, the number of registered participants is already 25 percent ahead of last year’s numbers, said Kathleen Pavard, Relay committee member and American Cancer Society volunteer.

Organizers for the Relay expect between 3,000 and 4,000 to attend the event, Pavard said, and team registration is open up through May 17.

For more information about how to register a team or upcoming Tech Nites, contact Relay for Life of the Santa Clarita Valley at online@scvrelay.org or 661-298-0886 ext. 3.

About the Relay for Life

Since the Relay for Life was started by Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Wash. in 1985, it has since grown to a nationwide event and raised nearly $5 billion for cancer research.

Relay events often include a Survivor’s Lap, where the first lap around the track is completed by cancer survivors at the event. In a luminaria ceremony, participants will light candles in honor of loved ones lost to cancer and those still fighting.

For more information about the Relay for Life or the American Cancer Society, click here.

Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.

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