When Dowagiac’s Katina Price heard that one of her neighbors had died following a tragic accident last week, she did the first thing that came natural to her: put together a fundraiser to support the man’s grieving family.

Little did she know how quickly word of her humble gesture would spread among others in the community.

Shortly after announcing the event on Facebook, hundreds of people began sharing the news. Dozens of people, many of whom Price had never met before, volunteered to help her prepare or to sell tickets, she said.

“Dowagiac is a very good community,” Price said. “Everyone always comes together when one of our own is going through a tragedy.”

The local woman and others will be raising money for the family of the late Les Cross during the fundraiser, which will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, at the Grace Apostolic Church, 47377 M-51, Decatur. Organizers will be serving walking tacos, dessert and beverages to attendees for $6, which people may enjoy inside the church or take with them to go.

People may purchase tickets from one of the event organizers or at the doors the night of the fundraiser.

All proceeds from the dinner will go toward Les’ wife Shannon, and their two daughters, Kenzie and Deonna. The family will use the money to help cover living expenses during this trying period in their lives, Price said.

Cross, a 1989 graduate of Dowagiac Union High School, died Aug. 19 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, where he was receiving treatment after accidently burning himself outside his home several days earlier.

Price, who is best friends with one of Shannon’s cousins, Heather Sandora, immediately set about organizing a drive to support the man’s family after she heard the news. The Dowagiac woman is all too familiar with the pain of losing a loved one. Her son, Darren, died unexpectedly four years ago.

The money raised through the event will help Shannon support her family while she and her daughters grieve Les’ death, Price said.

“With her daughters being so young, being with them is the most important thing right now,” Price said.

While Price originally expected to have to handle all the cooking and preparation for the fundraiser by herself, many people have since stepped up to help, she said. Price and Sandora plan to prepare the food in advance the night before, while four others will help them serve during the event next Friday. Others have offered to sell tickets in advance of the event.

Although she initially only expected to serve around 150 people next week, Price is confident they will draw an even larger crowd out to the church on Sept. 1.

“The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said.

People who want to volunteer or learn more about the event may visit Price’s Facebook page for more information.