TEHACHAPI, Calif. -- In February, Susie Atherton challenged her entire community. If they raised $5,000 dollars for Bark For Life, she would shave her head.

"I have to tell you, I'm a little worried," said Atherton on Sunday. "I've never been bald. Most women haven't."

The goal of $5,000 may seem hefty after $1,200 was raised in 2010.

"I'm excited to see if we did it," said Atherton.

This was a challenge she was willing to take on.

"People might think, 'Well, that's kind of gutsy that a female business owner might do it. And if she's willing to shave her head then I guess I'll throw out 10 or 20 bucks. What's the big deal?'" said Atherton. "I'm putting out there what I can that might motivate some people to throw in some money and it's worked."

As of Saturday afternoon, around $3,600 was raised. It's not just the amount of money raised that's increased this year, but also participation.

"Every year it's growing," said Barbara Duggins, the Tehachapi Relay For Life event chair. "This is a great thing. It's a beautiful day so we couldn't have asked for a better day."

The number of dogs being walked doubled from last year.

"Last year we had about 42 dogs in the dog walk," said Atherton. "This year was in the 80s so we doubled it."

"Whether or not Atherton will be shaving her head all depends on the grand total of Saturday's event.

Saturday's event ended when 23 ABC went to air and is still waiting to hear about the amount raised.