On Saturday, 400 men, women and children of Mower County will gather together in Bandshell Park united by one common purpose: to fight back against cancer.

The overnight American Cancer Society fundraising event, which began more than 20 years ago, is intended to create an atmosphere of remembrance for those who have lost battles with cancer, while also celebrating those who have survived.

“I feel the event plays an important part of the healing process for cancer victims, their families, relatives and friends,” said Linda Baier, event chair for Mower County’s Relay for Life. “We are there to remember, honor, support and give hope to those who have been affected by cancer.”

The event kicks off at 3 p.m. with entertainment, games, food and a silent auction. An opening ceremony, complete with a color guard and the introduction of honorary chairs, will begin at 6 p.m. The ceremony will wrap up with a survivors’ lap — a tradition that gathers all cancer survivors together for one momentous lap of victory.

At dusk, participants gather together once again for the luminary ceremony. Luminaries are created in memory of those who have lost their lives to cancer. During the ceremony, luminaries are lit and placed together, creating a visible measure of the far reaching effects of cancer.

Throughout the evening and early morning, teams, made up by members of the community, are challenged to take turns walking and running — all while raising money for a cure. The event will wrap up around 7:30 a.m. Sunday.

Fundraising for the event began in April. Since that time, teams have formed, pledges have been made and preparations have been set in place for the annual gathering.

Linda Baier, event chair for the Mower County Relay for Life said the goal this year is to raise $102,500. Last year, the event brought in just under $100,000.

“This year’s goal is lofty, but I am optimistic, and I really hope we can meet this goal,” Baier said.

Residents in Mower County participating in the event will join the 4,500 other communities throughout the country that have taken on a fundraiser that began with a single man. In 1985, a colorectal surgeon, Dr. Gordy Klatt, of Washington, managed to raise more than $20,000 when he dedicated he pledged to run for 24 hours. Others who heard about his cause paid to join him during stints throughout the night. When it was said and done, he covered 83 miles of the University of Puget Sound track. From there, Klatt’s idea began to spread. Relay for Life has now become an international phenomenon.