Gwinnett Daily Post

WINDER - Don't call her greedy, but Victoria Patrick wants more. And more. And more.

Patrick, like many gung-ho captains of localized Relay for Life efforts, is bent on perennially outdoing herself. This year is no exception.

Organizers with the Barrow County Relay For Life - the county's most successful charity, leaders say - want to raise at least $10,000 more than last year, which means they'll have to compile $245,000 or more.

That's realistic, said Patrick, the event's senior community manager.

"Barrow County just has a strong supporting community that gives to all charities," she said. "They truly give from the heart."

The annual daylong walkathon, like thousands more across America, raises funding for cancer research while remembering cancer survivors and casualties.

Barrow County's version kicks off at

7 p.m. May 16 at Winder-Barrow High School's W. Clair Harris Stadium.

Patrick said, as of Wednesday, 45 teams have signed on to contribute both financially and physically to the event. She's aiming for at least 50 teams. That should bump attendance to 2,000 participants, including 250 cancer survivors.

Registration cost per team member is $10.

"We're looking for more churches or more industries to support the event," Patrick said. She said every elementary, middle and high school in Barrow County will be represented with at least one Relay team.

The easiest way to register is online, by following the link http://events.cancer.org /rflbarrowga. For more information or further assistance, call Patrick at 770-307-7956.

A free survivor dinner is also planned for 5:30 p.m. April 19 at the Barrow County Leisure Service Center Building. Reservations are mandatory. The building is located at 175 Second St. in Winder.

SideBar: if you go

· What: Barrow County's 11th annual Relay for Life

· When: Walking starts 7 p.m. May 16

· Where: W. Clair Harris Stadium, Winder-Barrow High School

· Cost: $10 per team member

· For more information: Call organizer Victoria Patrick, 770-307-7956

· Register online at: http://events.cancer.org/rflbarrowga