DUKE CENTER (EC) — A benefit will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Otto Township Volunteer Fire Department for Justin McDivitt and Sam and Cody Pearce who suffered multiple serious injuries after being hit by a vehicle on Main Street in Duke Center on Sept. 8.

Of these three friends from childhood, Cody Pearce, 31, an Army veteran, was the most seriously injured. Sam Pearce, 33, and McDivitt, 36, also sustained major injuries, and all were flown by medical helicopter to UPMC Hamot in Erie. They face long and extensive recoveries, including surgeries and physical therapy.

Proceeds from the benefit will help pay for mounting medical bills and lost wages.

The menu of chicken and biscuits, green beans and dessert will cost $5. In addition, there will be a Chinese auction, a 50-50, raffles and a DJ.

The young men expressed their appreciation to Otto Township emergency personnel for their assistance the night of the accident and are “extremely grateful” to all who helped at the scene.

They are especially grateful to Buzz Myers, Randy Renninger and a woman from Duke Center, whose identity they don’t know.

For more information on the benefit, contact Tiffany Mohr at 558-8877 or Mary Ellen Haskins at 225-4731.