TIFTON, Ga. — Like many people in Tifton, Donnie Kegebein was hurt to hear about Macy Mathis, who died as a result of a fatal accident in November.

For Kegebein, who owns The Bistro with his wife, Monica, it was two-fold: he’s known Mathis and her mother, Cindy Mathis Radar, for years.

Radar worked at The Bistro 219 for several years before leaving a few months ago.

“She’s like family,” said Kegebein. “Seeing her whole family grow up, it’s sad. I can’t imagine. We saw these kids growing up. It’s rough, to see something like that happen.

When a local musician reached out to Kegebein and offered to play a night and donate the money to Mathis’ family, Kegebein started planning a benefit for the family set for 7 p.m., Dec. 15 at The Bistro 219.

“Larry Butler’s been a real leader, getting the musicians lined up up to play,” Kegebein said. “We’ve got a whole slew of bands. We’ll have a raffle and of course we’ll be accepting donations for her.”

The bands have donated their time and local businesses and merchants have donated goods and items to the raffle.

The money raised will be given to the family to help with medical bills.

The Bistro 219 is still accepting donations for the event.

To contact them about donating, call 229-382-7997.