NATCHEZ &8212; Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland and Natchez Mayor Phillip West will square off as they lead their teams at the &8220;Battle of the River&8221; Donkey basketball game Thursday.

All proceeds for the event will benefit Relay for Life.

&8220;This is an excellent event and we&8217;re just glad to be a part of it,&8221; Copeland said.

West echoed Copeland&8217;s sentiments.

&8220;It&8217;s an activity that not only keeps cancer on the minds of people but it is an enjoyable and exciting event to watch,&8221; West said.

The game will start at 7 p.m. at the Adams County Christian School gymnasium.

Team Nemo &8212; a Relay for Life team &8212; will host the game.

Team captain Tim Fuqua said there would also be concessions, a cake auction and a special surprise event at halftime.

West said these events have a special meaning to him.

&8220;I&8217;ve lost two brothers to cancer and with the help of Relay for Life and events like these, it&8217;s a disease I hope one day we&8217;ll have a cure for,&8221; West said.

Tickets for the game are $5 in advance and $6 at the gate.

For more information, call Tim Fuqua at (601) 660-1332.