A dinner Thursday night will celebrate the lives of local cancer survivors and their caregivers.

"The survivor dinner is a great way to connect and fellowship with fellow survivors and future survivors who are still fighting their battle," said Nicole Stewart, chairwoman of Dawson County's Relay for Life event. "It is always such a positive and uplifting event that you share with others in the community."

The American Cancer Society invites community members affected by the disease and their guests to dinner at Dawson County High School in preparation for Dawson County's Relay for Life event that will be held later this month.

"It's a way that the event leadership team can recognize our survivors and caregivers, tell them how much they are appreciated and let them know that they are the reason we Relay," said Brooke VanBuskirk, cancer society representative.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for registration with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are requested by calling (770) 297-1220.

Survivors are also asked to participate in the opening lap at Relay for Life in Dawson County that will be held from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. April 25 at the Dawsonville Municipal Complex/Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.

The American Cancer Society's signature activity, Relay for Life is a fundraiser that supports cancer research.

The event gives cancer survivors and supporters a chance to unite as a community to honor survivors, raise awareness of reducing cancer risks and collect funds to help the American Cancer Society.

As of Tuesday afternoon, 19 teams featuring 150 volunteer participants have raised nearly $20,000 toward the county's $40,000 goal for 2015.

For more information about Relay for Life or to sign up, visit www.relayforlife.org/dawsoncountyga.