NATCHEZ — When it comes to finding a cure, every dollar counts.

And this year, Miss-Lou Relay for Life organizers are hoping to raise as many dollars as possible for cancer research.

Janis Holder, co-chair for this year’s Relay, which begins May 1, encourages community members and local businesses to consider becoming sponsors.

“Cancer doesn’t discriminate against race, sex or religion,” Holder said. “It affects everyone, and we all need to pitch in and raise money.”

Five sponsor options are available: heart of relay sponsor, $250; survivor sponsor, $500; event sponsor, $1,000; tribute/corporate sponsor, $2,500 and premier sponsor, $5,000.

Lakeside Ford and the City of Vidalia have already pledged to be premier sponsors for this year’s Relay.

As a premier sponsor, businesses enjoy a long list of advertising perks including year-round sponsor signs and a special sponsorship certificate.

However, Holder said any donation amount — no matter how big or small — will be accepted and appreciated.

“Every dollar is a dollar closer to a cure,” she said.

Last year, the annual event raised an impressive $185,000, and since the first Relay in 1996, the Miss-Lou Relay has raised nearly $3 million for cancer research.

“We never really set a goal for how much money we want to raise,” said Holder, adding that the community’s enthusiasm is always strong enough to garner impressive results.

Usually on the Vidalia riverfront, this year’s Relay will be hosted at the Concordia Parish Recreation Complex, 100 Hoffpauir Drive, Vidalia.

With a special survivor’s reception at 4:30 p.m., the event will take on a “party atmosphere” for the remainder of the night.

“It’ll be a great time all night long,” Holder said. “Everyone gets really competitive — schools against schools, banks against banks — it’s just a great time. Nothing beats it.”

Each Relay team usually has a unique team, Holder said. And while some keep their themes a secret, others have already revealed theirs.

“One team is doing ‘A Minion Reasons to Cure Cancer,” said Holder, guessing that team members will dress up as the minion characters from Universal’s “Despicable Me.” “It’ll be a great time, and I encourage everyone to come out.”

For more information about how to become a sponsor, or to make a donation, call 601-442-7411 or visit relayforlife.org.