NILES — To help a local woman battling breast cancer, community members are organizing a benefit they hope will show her it is a fight she will not face alone.

A benefit dinner for Faith Horton will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at the Amvets Post 1978, 1117 E. Bertrand St., Niles.

Those who attend can enjoy a pork sandwich, pickle spear, coleslaw, chips and dessert. The cost per plate is $8. Children under 3 eat free. The dinner will also include an opportunity for people to take part in a raffle and a silent auction.

Proceeds from the event will help to cover Horton’s medical bills and other expenses related to her illness. Additionally, proceeds from beverages purchased at Amvets will support local veterans.

The event was organized by Horton’s daughter, Charity Kuhn, of Niles, and longtime family friend, Christi Pierce, of Benton Harbor. Both emphasized that they hope the benefit will provide comfort to Horton and show that the community is here to support her.

“We are out to prove that she is not alone,” Pierce said. “We are backing her 100 percent.”

Horton, of Niles, was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer several months ago. She works for the Veterans Association in South Bend. It is through her work where Pierce said people could see the heart and soul Horton pours into her job to make veteran’s lives better.

“She gives back to our community by working with vets,” Pierce said. “She is a very helpful person. She would give the shirt off her back to help someone.”

Pierce has known Horton since she was a child. In that time, she said she has seen many other ways that Horton gives back. 

“She’s like a second mom to me,” Horton said. “She’s so strong, and I have rarely seen her cry, but [with] this, she has cried.”

Pierce and Kuhn have also devised a special surprise for Horton at the dinner that they are eager to reveal. Pierce said it would further emphasize that Horton has supporters in the community.

Pierce encouraged people in the community to take part in the event, enjoy dinner and show their support or Horton.

“She would do this for anybody else,” Pierce said. “The way that she helps people, we are hoping people will help her.”

Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling Amvets at (269) 683-8558.