A local bank is trying a new route in the drive to raise Relay for Life dollars.

United Community Bank plans to hold the inaugural Relay Rod Run from noon to 4 p.m. April 17 at its branch at Ga. 400 and Hwy. 53.

Those interested in displaying their cars at the show can pre-register for $15. Participants registering the day of the event pay $20.

Kara Hewatt, bank business development officer, said organizers are "hoping to make this a yearly event."

Hewatt said United Community Bank's junior board planned the car show as an opportunity to raise funds for Relay for Life Dawson County.

"One of the junior board members had some experience with car shows before, so they wanted to give this a try," Hewatt said.

The junior board is made up of about 15 seniors from Dawson County High School who were chosen by bank members based on "academic excellence and extracurricular involvement."

Throughout the year, the board plans community service activities such as the car show fundraiser.

Awards will be given out at the car show, as well as 'goodie bags' and T-Shirts to the first participants to arrive.

The money raised from concessions at the event will also go to Relay for Life Dawson County.

Relay for Life is scheduled for May 21-22 at the Dawson County High School track. The 2010 financial goal is $55,000.

For more information about Relay for Life Dawson County, visit www.dawsoncountyrelay.com

To pre-register for the car show, call Kara Hewatt at (706) 265-3232, Ext. 1126, or e-mail kara_hewatt@ucbi.com.