NORTH FORSYTH — A spaghetti dinner benefit tonight will raise money to help a north Forsyth woman who is battling Stage 4 ovarian cancer.

All proceeds from the meal at Donut Connection on Keith Bridge Road will go to help Mary Bennett, a licensed practical nurse and a 2004 North Forsyth High grad, with medical expenses.

The dinner is the sixth such fundraiser organized by Kirk McConnell, who owns the restaurant. McConnell was inspired to help cancer patients after a girl raising money for Relay for Life visited his store. A longtime friend who worked for a pasta company suggested the dinner.

Every fundraiser has helped a local resident with medical bills. McConnell said about 500 to 700 people usually attend, and they have raised between $2,500 and $7,500 per event.

“It’s amazing how many people in the area come [to the event],” McConnell said. “We give the money directly to the individual.”

McConnell, who owns several spaces in a shopping center at 3225 Keith Bridge Road, has been able to use some of the empty spots to accommodate the event.

He receives help from his staff in preparing for the benefit, with Linda Morley making the homemade sauce.

“For that amount of dinners, it’s a tremendous amount of work,” McConnell said.

The dinner is set for 4:30 to 8 p.m. Cost is $7.