Friends and family of Hinesville Police Officer Larry Milton joined together for a benefit concert Saturday to help him in his fight against cancer of the tongue.  
The concert started at 6 p.m. and continued until 11, with more than $6,000 being raised to help Milton and his family with the financial set backs associated with his cancer treatments.
According to concert organizer Lamar Cook, hundreds of people attended the event.
“We counted over 350 people at one time, but we know that is a low count, considering people were coming and leaving all night,” Cook said.
Those who were in attendance paid $10 to watch the concert.
“Lamar had me right down front, set up in a recliner, and bundled up with blankets,” Larry Milton said. “I watched the whole thing and enjoyed all of it. They all put on a good, show, a real good show.”
Dozens of musical acts performed for the crowd free of charge.
The tone for the event was set early as Teddy Rewis sang such favorites as “This Magic Moment.” He was followed on stage by teen singer Kaitlyn Tarver who performed songs from her newly released CD.
According to Milton, one friend traveled all the way from Pelem, Ga. to be a part of the night.
“There was more people there than I would have ever imagined, they were coming out of the wood work,” he said.
Milton’s wife of 33 years, Yvonne said, “It kind of numbs you seeing all those people come out to help you. We are just so thankful for what everyone did.”
In spite of Milton still being treated for his illness, he stayed for the entire night.
Friends greeted him continually and wished him a speedy recovery.
“I’ll bet 200 people hugged my neck,” he said, grinning. “I hugged so many, my neck was sore at the end of the night.”
Both Cook and Milton expressed hope that an event like this could be held on an annual basis.
“The facilities down there are so nice, and clean, and its set up so good, I hope that this can be done from now on to help someone else who needs it,” Milton said.
Cook noted, “This is such a good community outreach, and there are so many different people who could be helped, I would like to see this become a annual event.”
Milton found it difficult to adequately express his gratitude to all who took part in the event, but said, “I am so appreciative to all the people, they will never know what this means to me.”

Freelance writer Lewis Levine contributed to the writing of this article.