Hopatcong residents hoping to raise money for the American Cancer Society will come together next weekend to kick off the annual Relay for Life event and try to top last year's $27,000 raised for the organization.

The  24-hour event, which drew more than 300 participants last year according to organizer Tara Rossy, will kick off on Jan. 27 at the Hopatcong High School Civic Center from noon to 4 p.m.

"At this event, community members can get more information about Relay, sign their teams up, and get questions answered by the planning committee and American Cancer Society representatives," Rossy said.

Relay for Life involves teams raising money and walking to spread awareness about cancer and the American Cancer Society. The actual event will be held May 18 and May 19 at Hopatcong High School.

Rossy said four teams have signed up so far this year for the Hopatcong event. Last year, 43 teams participated. To get more people interested in participated, Rossy said more entertainment and activities will be included to keep people busy.

"This year we are hoping to engage more individuals and create more teams as well as have more youth involvement," Rossy said.

While the Hopatcong event is only a part of a national Relay for Life effort, Rossy said that by participating, Hopatcong residents can show support for their neighbors who are affected by cancer. 

"At Relay For Life, we come together to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, we remember those we have lost, and we rally together to fight back against this disease," she said. "We are helping to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays." 

All members of the community, and neighboring communities, are invited to participate. To learn more about the Hopatcong Relay for Life event or sign up a team, visit the group's website here.