The Mississippi Songwriter’s Alliance is putting on an event to benefit Avyn Williams, a 10-year-old girl set to undergo spinal surgery in late May.
Williams was diagnosed with scoliosis at age four and has lived the past six years of her life wearing braces and casts, as well as undergoing various medical treatments. She is now scheduled to have surgery that will correct her 65-degree spinal curve on May 31 at Nemours Childrens Hospital in Orlando, Fla.
Before Williams and her family travel for the surgical procedure, a festival will be held in Hurley to raise money for the young girl’s upcoming medical expenses.
The event will be taking place on Saturday, April 29 at Hurley Huddle Sports Grill from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is free of charge. Attendees will experience live music, raffles, door prizes, 10 percent wing sales, and face painting.
“Local businesses and other restaurants — which would be Hurley Huddle’s competitors — all are chipping in,” Mississippi Songwriter’s Alliance Ambassador Buck Allen said. “It’s a community effort to do something to give back to the community in which we live to support one another. We all need it from time to time, and it’s just a really good thing.”
Additionally, in honor of Avyn’s desire to benefit other children in a similar position as her, canned drink tabs will be collected and donated to the Ronald McDonald House in Nemours so the home can continue to shelter families with children in the hospital free of charge.
“Avyn has a big heart and loves to do for others,” the Williams family stated in a release. “To help out other kids like herself, she is collecting aluminum tabs to donate to Ronald McDonald House Nemours that they will recycle and use for housing, meals, and other essentials provided to families during their child’s hospital stay.”
Those unable to attend Saturday’s benefit are also able to donate to Avyn’s cause by sending aluminum tabs to Hurley Huddle or by reaching out to Allen, who is also taking monetary donations to assist the Williams family.
