NORWICH – A benefit to assist a local woman and mother of three who has been suffering from childhood rheumatoid arthritis will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, March 29, at the VFW on East Main Street in Norwich.

Kara Prewitt has undergone years of intensive, aggressive treatments and medications, and is scheduled for a double hip replacement on April 8, 2014.

Prewitt has suffered from symptoms of her arthritis since the age of three, and organizers are have worked for months to make Saturday’s benefit a success.

“Kara has been involved in numerous benefits in the area and I hope we can help her out as much as she has us,” said Calley Brewer, a recipient of Kara’s efforts and one of the organizers of the event.

In addition to the double hip replacement, Prewitt was in need of a double knee replacement. Both surgeries will result in extended rehabilitation, daily physical therapy, and months out of work.

According to event organizers, Prewitt’s insurance only will cover a portion of the costs, and the remainder is to be paid out of pocket.

“Kara is a dedicated mother, a fantastic friend, and a truly wonderful person always willing to put herself before others,” said Brewer.

The benefit is set to run from 4-11 p.m. and will include a silent auction, Chinese auction, and 50/50 raffle. A cash bar will be open, and there will be a DJ – Chris Carnachan –, comedians Vandaniel Martins, Maryanne Donnelly, Brock Shields, Kevin Salisbury, Kris Casey and Mike Amory, musical guest Tim Carr, and face-painting for children.

A chili cook-off and ‘cupcake wars’ will be held, and both are free to enter. According to organizers, chili will be judged on aroma, taste, after-taste and consistency. Contestants are asked to prepare their chili to be heated by sterno rather than crockpot, as VFW policy does not allow crockpots.

Cupcakes will be judged on appearance, taste and consistency, and those interested in entering are asked to bring at least one dozen.

Organizers said more than 120 donations have been made, including items and gift certificates from local businesses.

“I am so proud to be part of a community that has pulled together the way this community has for Kara,” said organizer Sarah Crawford.

Auction items include but are not limited to a bag from Sew Nice of Norwich, a three-night stay for your pet at the Doggie Dude Ranch in the Town of Norwich, a three-month membership from AIM Fitness, a $20 gift certificate from Becky’s Place, a gift certificate from New Age Auto Repair of Oxford, wooden keychains donated by the Girl Scouts of Lake Placid, a handcrafted bowl and gift certificate from Jennifer Tavares and The Root Cellar Studio, a gift certificate from Norwich Auto Sales, and an array of handmade jewelry and craft items.

“I already knew she was a wonderful person, but to see how many people have reached out to help in some way, is a true reflection of how many people she has touched in her life. It is truly amazing,” said Crawford.

Brewer added, “She's been involved in a lot of benefits. She'll help anyone in need. She's just a truly good soul. They seem hard to find now-a-days.”

Event admission is $3 for adults and children under age 12 are free.

For those interested in donating to the cause but are unable to attend can visit http://sarahcrawford9.wix.com/please-help-kara.

Further information is available at the event’s Facebook page facebook.com/events/1390573554541035.

Those with questions or interest in donating can contact organizer Calley Brewer at 371-2530 or calleybrewer@yahoo.com.