A Nov. 16 event in partnership with the Sentara Obici Hospital Auxiliary will benefit a fund that helps cancer patients at the hospital.

It will include food and drinks, a silent auction and a shoe art competition. Called “Nobody Fights Alone,” the event grew out of prior events that supported only breast cancer patients.

“There was too much inter-competition,” volunteer coordinator Jackie King said of the various events that focused on one form of cancer. “It really made more sense to come together to help all cancer patients at Obici, regardless of which diagnosis they have.”

King said it is important to help cancer patients who do not have insurance, are self-employed or part-time workers, don’t have paid sick leave at work or are unemployed.

“It really helps our neediest citizens,” she said, adding the care coordinators and others at the hospital can pinpoint people needing help. “Once they’ve identified people who are at serious financial risk, they can be given money out of this fund.”

King’s husband, Dr. Brian King, is a cancer surgeon at Obici, and she said her husband frequently sees patients whose care is impacted because of their job or financial situation — for example, farmers who delay surgery until the harvest is in.

“It’s a very hands-on way to help immediately,” King said. “It’s such a direct-access program without a lot of layers of red tape.”

Patients who receive help from the program often get it in the form of gift cards to grocery stores, pharmacies or gas stations, King said.

The Nov. 16 event will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn, 100 E. Constance Road, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. There will be food, drinks and a silent auction, but the highlight will be the shoe art competition.

“We’ve got some very fun entries that I can’t wait to see,” King said.

A group of firefighters will decorate one of their boots, and Boy Scout Troop 1 plans an entry titled “Nobody Hikes Alone,” King said.

Eight shoe art awards will be given, including first, second and third places, most humorous, most creative, most inspiring, best craftsmanship and best business.

“I’m really proud of how the community has taken this over,” she said, adding there are 11 sponsors. “It’s really been on all levels.”

Tickets to the event are $50 in advance or $65 at the door. Call Angie Conary at 934-4791 or email alconary@sentara.com for tickets.