Saturday’s benefit fundraiser for Izard County Sheriff Ernie Blackley who is battling stage 4 lung cancer was a big success.

The city of Melbourne hosted the event with a BBQ dinner, followed by a live auction of donated items from businesses and residents.

Officials say at one point, over 1,000 people were in attendance and the benefit raised well over $60,000.

Sheriff Blackley has received two chemotherapy treatments thus far and has another treatment scheduled for later this month.