A growing force in Austin aims to take cancer down another peg this Friday.

Mower County Relay for Life’s team IBI Data will hold its third annual Black and White Ball fundraiser 7 p.m. May 4 at the Holiday Inn grand ballroom. Tickets are $15 in advance through Hy-Vee, IBI Data or the Holiday Inn, or $20 at the door.

The fundraiser gathered $3,000 in its first year in 2010, $7,000 last year and could see an even more successful year in 2012.

We’re really encouraged by what we’re hearing,” said Dagna Simmons, a member of team IBI Data. “We’ve had good response through Facebook.”

Simmons expects at least 150 people to attend the event, which is more than double the first year’s total and 50 more than last year. Once again, disc jockey Alan Reed and auctioneer Dave Thompson will host the event.

And a new feature at this year’s ball will remind people that even though the night is about fun, it’s about remembering those who have fallen victim to cancer, as well. Simmons and her team will create an honor wall where every attendant is encouraged to post pictures of people who have died from cancer along with those who have survived.

“We want it as a way to honor and remember those people who have been dealing with cancer in one way or another,” Simmons said.

Simmons has become much more aware of cancer’s hold on a person, as her husband, Mike, battled and was treated for cancer during the last year. Furthermore, one of her co-workers is currently battling cancer, and several others have affected family members. Simmons recalled the feeling of disbelief she felt at times throughout her husband’s diagnosis and treatment. She also recently lost her brother-in law to cancer.

“It just puts it into focus,” she said.

Because Simmons has been closely affected by cancer and is now meeting more people through Relay for Life, she hopes the ball continues to grow. This year, area businesses have donated nearly $8,000 of items toward the live and silent auctions. Some items include a $400 package to the Mall of America, a $270 lawn care package, free oil changes, sports memorabilia, and household items.

After the ball, team IBI Data will combine its cancer research fundraising efforts with all other local teams at the annual Relay for Life, which will be held the first weekend of August at Bandshell Community Park.