Family and friends are looking to the community to keep the memory of Ashley Ames alive.

Ames lived and worked in Urbana, Illinois earning money to return to school. Early Saturday morning on May 29, 2010, the house where Ames and her four roommates lived caught fire. Her roommates got out safely, but 80 percent of Ames’ body received third-degree burned. She was airlifted to the Springfield Memorial Hospital burn unit, where she fought for her life for 39 days. On July 6, Ames passed away due to an infection and the injuries she sustained.

Friends of Ames organized a benefit to celebrate her life–ASHLEYFEST. The fest will begin Thursday, July 29th and continue through Saturday, July 31st. Over 20 bands will be performing at Class Act Interactive Education and Event Theater Company in Champaign. At Indi-go Artist Co-op, over 70 pieces of art will be displayed, obtainable with suggested donations.

In addition to the art and musical performances, a candlelight vigil will be held at the home that took fire, 814 W. Stoughton St. in Urbana, Sunday July 25 at 8:00 p.m. Following the vigil, light refreshments and a slide show presentation will convene at the Independent Media Center in Urbana. All community members and friends are welcome to join the family.

A complete schedule of the benefit can be found by visiting the ASHLEYFEST Facebook page.