SALISBURY — Friday will be the tenth year Erwin Middle School has hosted the “Big Dodge” tournament in order to raise money for Relay for Life. The tournament began in 2007 as a student council-sponsored project.

According to an online history of the event, the student council organized an event every year to raise money for Relay for Life. In the past, hat days or dress down days were common, but after 2007, dodgeball has taken over.

That first year, 31 eight-man teams registered to participate in the double-elimination tournament and the event raised more than $2,000. According to the event’s history, more than 500 students, staff, faculty and family members attended that first year.

Friday, the school will continue it’s fast and furious fundraiser.

“From what I understand this is our biggest year yet,” Principal Rick Vanhoy said.

In an e-mail, former Elliot Mathis, a former Erwin assistant principal who helps organize the event every year, said this year’s tournament has 36 teams and nearly 300 players. Team members pay a registration fee of $10, according to the tournament’s website, and Vanhoy said that spectators pay a minimum $5 entry fee.

Vanhoy said the tournament has a lot of positives, from raising money for a good cause to bringing the school and community together to getting kids out on a gym floor in front of a crowd.

“It just creates a pretty good, lively atmosphere around here,” he said.

“The Big Dodge” begins at 3 p.m. Friday in the Erwin gym and goes until one team is left standing.