A benefit fish fry for Columbus Police Department officer Kelvin Lee raised more than $6,000 on Thursday.

Officer Rhonda Sanders helped organize the event and said almost 1,000 plates were sold in a show of support for Lee, who is fighting stomach cancer.

Held in the Columbus Police Department parking lot, the benefit fish fry charged $8 for a plate of catfish and hushpuppies. The fish were donated by Columbus Christian Center and Pastor Kenny Gardner and was prepared by former officer Wayne Beard.

Sanders said the outpouring of support for Lee renewed her faith in the citizens of Columbus.

“It was unbelievable the response from the community,” she said. “I know like I have never known that Columbus, Mississippi is one of the most giving and loving places to live in. This just renewed me all over again to see strangers come up and give from the bottom of their hearts. It was just wonderful.”

Lee has been on leave since he was diagnosed with stage four cancer in late 2012. Countless fellow officer were on hand Thursday to show their support and shake the hand of the officer who has become known as a fixture in the community.

CPD Public Information Officer Glenda Buckhalter said, she, too, was impressed with how many people showed up.

“Kelvin is a really great officer and I think the people really showed him how important he is to the community,” she said.

Sanders said they are still counting the money raised from Thursday’s benefit and are preparing for a motorcycle run and a shooting competition in the coming weeks.

For more information on how to donate, contact Rhonda Sanders at 662- 251-7355.

Sarah Fowler covered crime, education and community related events for The Dispatch.