Friends and family of J.B. Atkinson of Port Aransas are organizing a benefit to help him with medical expenses.

Atkinson, a lifelong resident of Port Aransas, was hospitalized after an assault on Saturday, Aug. 30 (see related story page 1A). He was taken to Christus Spohn Hospital Memorial by Halo-Flight, which costs an average of over $8,000 per trip. That expense, added to hospital bills, is financially overwhelming for Atkinson, who has no medical insurance.

A meeting for all those interested in helping will be held at the Coast Club, 1023 State Hwy. 361, Ste. A, tonight, Thursday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m.

The benefit is slated for Saturday, Sept. 13, also to be held at the Coast Club at an as yet undetermined time.

Prize drawing items are needed for the benefit. Donations can be made by contacting Joe Trevino at (210) 254-7006.

Trevino, a long-time family friend of the Atkinsons, is staying in Port Aransas for a few weeks to organize the benefit and help out "with anything I can do for J.B. and his family," he said.

A fund has been set up in at the American Bank, 216. S. Alister St., under Atkinson's name.

For more information, contact Trevino at (210) 254-7006.