DATE: Friday, June 13, 1997                 TAG: 9706110138

SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER      PAGE: 05   EDITION: FINAL 

COLUMN: ART BEAT 

SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   73 lines

WOMAN WHO GAVE TIRELESSLY OF HER TIME NEEDS YOUR HELP

The area's guardian angel now needs help.

Sandy Horton, a Chesapeake resident who for the past 15 years has been the first person to step forward and help organize fund raisers for families or individuals in need of financial help, now needs your help.

She recently lost her husband William ``Nink'' Horton to lung cancer. Horton was a well known country musician who played with several popular bands, including Ambush and Diamondback Road, the house band at Blakelys.

Sandy Horton is now stuck with a pile of unpaid funeral bills. With the passing of her husband she is now the only bread winner in her family and still has two children at home to support.

Someone she once helped is coming to her aid.

Kim Pittman, a Simonsdale resident in Portsmouth, is planning a fund raiser to benefit Horton. The event will be taking place Thursday at Blakelys on Battlefield Boulevard.

``Times are tight for her and now we want to help her out,'' Pittman said.

``She did one (a fund raiser) for my husband's family about 10 years ago. That's how I met her.''

For more than a decade Horton has organized, supervised and planned scores of fund raisers for friends, friends of friends, casual acquaintances, relatives of friends and even strangers.

``When I first met her, I thought she was one of the most giving persons I'd ever met,'' Pittman said.

``By her example she taught me about giving. She gives until it hurts. She taught me the real meaning of charity.''

Pittman said she has helped Horton on past fund raisers and talks about her indefatigable energy and drive.

``She's amazing,'' Pittman said. ``She'll work all day and all night just to make it work and be successful. Even for people she doesn't even really know. She does whatever it takes to get the job done.''

Besides her charitable efforts, Pittman also applauds Horton for bringing up four children and holding down a job.

And as busy as she was she rarely said no, Pittman said.

``I don't think I've ever met anyone who gives as much as she does,'' she said.

``I thought I was a giving person but she's beyond that, that's why it's now time for us to help her. She certainly deserves it.''

Scheduled to appear at this Thursday's shindig will be Diamondback Road, Southern Blend and the Flatlanders Band.

In addition to the music, the event will feature door prizes, raffles, free dance lessons, a craft sale and a grand auction to be conducted by auctioneer Gene Daniels.

Pittman said the fund raiser could use more help.

``We could sure use more donated items or services to auction off,'' she said.

``Or for those who can't make it to the fund raiser, we'll gladly accept a cash or check donation.''

Pittman hopes the event will be successful, as a way to help Horton and a way to honor her for her past efforts.

``She truly has a place in heaven,'' ``Pittman said.

``Actually she already is an angel - a guardian angel.'' MEMO: Those wishing to help out at the Sandy Horton fund raiser or to

make a donation should call 488-3321 for more information. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic

WANT TO HELP?

What: Fund raiser to benefit Sandy Horton, featuring live music,

free dance lessons, a craft sale, raffles, door prizes and auction.

When: Thursday from 7 p.m. until midnight.

Where: Blakelys, 414 S. Battlefield Blvd.

Cost: Donations are $2 at the door

Call: For more information, call 488-3321.

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