A fundraiser to help with a Bulloch County man's medical expenses is planned for Saturday at the old Pride Manufacturing building in Portal.

Donnie Hicks, former plant manager for Pride and a 13-year employee of Franklin Chevrolet, went into the hospital for a simple procedure in September but encountered serious complications, said event organizer Brandi Lane Donaldson.

He was transferred to a Savannah hospital and was not released until December, she said. He is unable to work due to the complications from surgery and faces daily expenses in addition to "a huge amount" of medical expenses, she said.

Hicks "is well known in the community. He is recognized most by his outgoing personality, great work ethic, big heart and the fact he is always willing to help others," she said.

The event begins at 

10 a.m. and continues until 6 p.m., with a DJ, jump houses and slides for kids, a cake walk, concessions and more. Raffle tickets for $10 earn the buyer a chance to win a white 2009 Honda Civic that is "fully loaded, with about 10,000 miles," Donaldson said.

A silent auction and possible live auction will include such prizes as gift cards to local retailers and restaurants, Atlanta Braves tickets, Rascal Flatt concert tickets, a Yeti cooler, a gas grill, Adirondack chairs and several smaller items, she said.

Anyone interested in performing is welcome to sing during the event.

Barbecue plates with pulled pork, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, bread and cake will be sold for $7, with proceeds going to Hicks.

For more information contact Donaldson at (912) 687-2658.