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GALESBURG — A small but mighty support group is ready for a fight for their loved one.

The group dubbed “Power of Prayer for Sophia” has spent several few weeks walking the streets of Galesburg attempting to gather local support for their friend in need. They’ve sold bracelets, T-shirts and even created a charity bank account for the woman to whom they turned when they were in need.

For them, she is more than a victim. She’s someone who deserves the backing from the community.

The woman they hold dear to their hearts was the alleged victim of an attempted murder incident that occurred last November. Prosecutors say the victim was beaten with a landscaping brick and sexually assaulted.

On Saturday, the group will be advocating for her by hosting a charity event to raise money for medical expenses. From 4 p.m. to midnight, there will be music rocking out the Knights of Columbus as the group hosts a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and fun night out.

The victim’s friend, Kimberly Alaniz, said her group has been relying on community resources to fund their cause. Using the color purple to symbolize domestic violence, the group has spread its support by creating T-shirts and rubber bracelets in her honor.

“I walked up Main Street one way and down the other. I did the same thing on Henderson,” she added. “(The bracelets) went like hotcakes and when the shirts came in they went really fast, too.”

Those close to the victim have been spreading their messages through a Facebook group. Each day a handful of kind words and prayers are posted about her. The love is felt across the nation as users from California to Texas leave thoughts and messages.

Another friend, Shelly Wagner, said if the victim was aware of the group’s efforts, she would be telling them there was someone out there who deserves their attention more. She is always thinking about the next person, always willing to put others ahead of her, said Wagner

“It has really consumed all of our lives,” she said.

For Dawn Garcia, the victim is one of the most loving people she knows. The victim always hugs and kisses her friends when she sees them and greets them with a grin from ear to ear. She is the life of the party and knows how to make everyone laugh.

“She loved family. She couldn’t get enough of her family, your family,” Garcia added.

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