Aromas of fresh baked cakes, cookies and pastries filled the lobby of the Dawson County Sheriff's Office on Friday as visitors placed bids on dozens of wanted desserts.

An American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser, the silent auction netted more than $530 with several cakes fetching as much as $50 and $100 each.

"This went really well," said Lt. Frank Sosebee, captain for the department's Relay for Life team. "We have some amazing cooks here at the sheriff's office."

The funds place the 25-plus member team closer to its $2,500 fundraising goal in anticipation of Dawson County's Relay for Life event, which is scheduled for May 18-19 at Veterans Memorial Park.

The overnight event celebrates survivorship while raising money for cancer research and programs. Teams set up booths that offer fun for the entire family and take turns walking or running laps around the track throughout the night.

Sheriff Billy Carlisle said he was proud of his employees' outpouring of support for the cause.

"We have so many people here that have been affected by cancer, either themselves or someone close to them in their families," he said.

In the weeks leading up to Relay for Life, Dawson Community News will feature stories of hope, survivorship and fundraising events intended to increase cancer awareness in the community. The series will also include articles on prevention, early detection and treatment options.

Teams can still sign up to participate by calling Suzanne Hendricks at (770) 297-1176, Ext. 29062.