A benefit for life-long Shelbyville resident and Daily Union employee David Williams will be held Friday, July 24, from 5-9 p.m. at the Lions Club and Senior Center in Forest Park.

Williams is currently battling leukemia and is awaiting a bone marrow transplant which will require a lengthy hospital stay.

Williams has been employed with the Daily Union since he began as a paper carrier. He later became pressman and is currently overseeing postal delivery of the paper.

“He’s a jack-of-all-trades here. He knows a lot about the Daily Union and about Shelbyville,” said Daily Union editor Frank Mulholland.

“Dave is a great unique individual,” said former Daily Union publisher George Frazier. “It’s been my pleasure to work with him. I can’t think of anyone who is more dedicated to the community or the Daily Union. I can’t say enough great things about the man.”

A dinner will be served from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lions Club Building. The dinner will consist of sloppy joes or hot dogs, baked beans, cole slaw, homemade dessert and drink. Adult dinners are $6 and child (under 12) dinners are $4.

Silent auction items will be displayed in the Senior Center. Bids will be taken until 8:30 p.m. A live auction will be also held beginning at 8 p.m.

Some of the items in the auction include king-size quilt, hand painted Adirondack chair, Jimmy Johnson NASCAR life-sized standup cutout, gift certificates, Beanie Babies, and various baskets.

Items may be seen at the Daily Union office or at Just-A-Stitch, 152 E. Main. Tickets for a 50/50 raffle may be purchased at the Daily Union office.

Other activities and music will be ongoing at the South Pavilion.

Monetary donations may also be made to the Shelby County State Bank, Dave Williams Benefit Account, 130 S. Morgan, Shelbyville.