Benefits are happening this weekend for two Eldorado children who are working their way through rare medical conditions.

Kirsten Horton, 12, received her second heart transplant earlier this summer and is reporting to Children's Hospital in St. Louis, Mo., at least once a week.

Jack Bruce, 2, is undergoing treatment for alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of cancer affecting the soft tissue of his arm and lymph nodes.

At Eldorado American Legion Hall 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday there will be "A Whole Lotta Pickin'" benefit for Horton featuring music, a silent auction, door prizes, snacks and sodas.

Horton's uncle, Terry Whipple, owner of Whipple Creek Guitars in Pomona, has donated one of his handcrafted acoustic guitars for a raffle. The guitar will be on display Saturday and will be awarded during Town and Country Days. Raffle tickets are also available at the Web site www.whipplecreekguitars.com

"We are just some of her friends who decided to come together and raise money for her trips back and forth to St. Louis," Pat Hall said.

There will be several musicians performing in roughly three groups including Steve Nelson, Charlie Ashby, Doug Phelps, Keith Brantley, Robert Young of Canada and Horton's brother, Travis, singing some Johnny Cash.

There will be a large silent auctions of 65 items donated from local businesses and organizations.

Donations of $5 will be accepted at the Legion Hall.

"Kirsten, she's doing a hundred," Hall said.

Kirsten is already attending school.

At Illinois Centre Mall's center court there will be a fun-filled day hosted by radio station WGGH AM 1150 and Casey's General Store to raise money for Bruce.

From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. the station will be hosting a live remote with silent auction.

There will also be an inflatable obstacle course, games for children, baked goods and refreshments for sale and appearances by the Miners mascots, according to a release from the radio station.

"The community is who supports us, so we thought this would be a perfect opportunity to support the community, while having a good time. We are thankful for all the support of the community and local businesses that made this event possible," Jim Fishback, president and owner of WGGH AM 1150, said in a prepared release.

A list of the silent auction items is at the Web site www.wggh.net and the station may be contacted at (618) 993-8102. Those who would like to donate items to the event or lend support may visit the Web site www.helpjackfightback.org

Also, at the 7 p.m. Friday "Meet the Eagles" football event at the Eldorado Sports Complex, the $1 admission will be going to the Help Jack Fight Back charity.

-- DeNeal receives e-mail at bdeneal@yourclearwave.com.