(May 17, 2007) -- Deborah Turner, the LB area writer and animal advocate known for her compassion toward four legged friends (including her disabled doggie "Wheely Willie") is holding a fundraiser on Friday night May 18 to benefit a LB woman afflicted with a terrible illness.

Ms. Turner & "Wheely Willie" in 2006 file photo

The fundraiser is being held under the auspices of the Samuel Turner Foundation, an organization Ms. Turner created following the death of her younger brother.

The Samuel Turner Foundation website (www.samuelturner.org) says the May 18 Friday night event -- 7 p.m.-11 p.m. at the Seal Beach Community Center, 151 Marina Drive, in Old Town Seal Beach -- will benefit longtime LB resident Tami Potter, afflicted with Sweet's Syndrome, a rare disorder that severely affects her immune system.

"She has battled the painful affliction for many years, and is now totally disabled," says www.samuelturner.org. adding that the illness can lead to other serious illnesses such as leukemia.

Samuelturner.org says the fundraiser "will allow Tami and her 12-year-old daughter to move to Arkansas, closer to her family who can provide the physical and emotional support she desperately requires."

Tickets are $30.00 each and can be purchased on the Samuel Turner Foundation website (www.samuelturner.org) OR at the following locations:

• Doggie in the Window, 4106 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach (562) 494-7085
• Belmont Pets and LaunderPet, 3429 East Broadway, Long Beach, CA (562) 433-3605
• Bixby Knolls LaunderPet, 4102 Orange Avenue, Long Beach, CA (562) 427-2551
• Seal Beach LaunderPet, 318 Main Street, Seal Beach, CA (562) 430-7196
• The Ark, 550 Pacific Coast Highway, Seal Beach, CA (562) 430-5057
• You Dirty Dog, 3040 Woodruff Avenue, Long Beach, CA (562) 429-1980

OR you can simply make a donation online by clicking here.

Ms. Turner indicates there'll be "an abundance of food and drink and entertainment" at tonight's event...which is pirate-themed with entertainment including music from Kaptain Kula and his Pyrat Party Band. (Come as you are or in pirate costume, she says.

Samuel Turner Foundation Fundraiser For Tami Potter
Friday, May 18, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.
Seal Beach Community Center, 151 Marina Dr
Old Town Seal Beach
Tickets: $30 per person