provided by Tammy Aeschliman Elsie Stearns, left, and Mel Meo, holding a T-shirt she designed for the recent Crab Fest on Pine Island.

Beloved islander, artist Mel Meo, has reluctantly agreed to a benefit being given for her to help with heaping medical bills.

The benefit will be Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Olde Fish House Marina, 4530 Pine Island Road, Matlacha.

Meo describes herself as a community-minded artist, capable of taking care of herself. Now the community she gives to so willingly would like to reciprocate by relieving some of the financial burden that has been created by her medical condition.

Meo has been given a terminal diagnosis with a tumor on her heart.

“I’ve always had heart issues and there’s really nothing they can do, so I’m just enjoying life and what I do. I’m just enjoying my family and friends, and kids and grandkids,” Meo said.

While the only option at this point is to pray for a miracle, Meo remains hopeful, as she is accustomed to living an active and productive life.

Although money from the benefit will admittedly be useful, at the end of the day, it’s the community support and encouragement that gives Meo strength and motivates her to keep going.

“It’s really humbling and touching that everybody wants to come out and do something,” Meo said, adding that several islanders have already stepped in to lend her a helping hand.

“I’m just overwhelmed and grateful for all these donations, but at the same time it’s really humbling. I like giving gifts, but I guess I don’t take them well, so that’s a good lesson for me,” Meo said.

Sponsorship Table tickets for the benefit may be purchased now at Centennial Bank. Individual tickets can be purchased through Olde Fish House Marina on Facebook, or online at Event Brite. Musical entertainment, presented by Sandbar Productions, will be provided by RJ Howson and Mike Kach & Friends.

Tables for the benefit may be sponsored for $500. or individual tickets for reserved seating $25 per person.

Items to be auctioned include a flight for eight people to Key West on King Air given by Honc Industries; a sunset cruise on Tropic Star Cruise Line including food catered by Capt’n Con’s; a painting class for up to 8 people in Meo’s home, catered by Little Lily’s Island Deli with wine by Scott Robertson; a week-long stay in a beautiful home on North Captiva, including half a day charter fishing with Capt. Shane Dooley, with transportation to and from North Captiva by Island Girl Charters; Olde Fish House Marina and CW Fudge Factory will cater a party for up to 40 people in a home, which includes catering, wine, and chocolate with musical entertainment for guests by Jason Bonham; and a two-night stay at Tarpon Lodge, including dinner and a charter fishing trip and lunch at Cabbage Key.

There will also be an assortment of donated items for auction in “Mel’s Case,” which includes gift certificates from a variety of places.

Some of Meo’s artwork will be auctioned as well.

For additional information about the fundraiser, call Jim Frock from Seven Seas at 239-283-1674.