File photo JOHN SCHORR, aka Sweet Chuck, talks during a past Project Forward meeting in Martins Ferry. A benefit concert for Schorr, who is battling cancer, is slated Saturday at River City Ale Works, 1400 Main St., Wheeling.

MARTINS FERRY — A benefit for a local tattoo artist, who has made thousands of people happy with his ink skills and good, sweet nature, is set to take place Saturday night at River City Ale Works, 1400 Main St., Wheeling.

Hot Rod Tattooing owner John Schorr, aka Sweet Chuck, is battling cancer. The “Sweet Chuck Cancer Benefit Show” will help Schorr cover medical expenses and chemotherapy treatments not covered by health insurance.

The evening begins and 8 p.m. and will include music, auctions, raffles and more.

A Go Fund Me page titled “Support for Sweet Chuck” also has been set up online. According to the page, Schorr was diagnosed with metastatic squamous carcinoma in May 2019:

“If you are reading this, consider yourself lucky. You are fortunate enough to know one of the finest people in the world. His name is John Schorr, but most people know him as Sweet Chuck. This nickname is aptly suited, as Chuck is one of the most generous human beings you will ever meet.

“He has done many good things for the betterment of the tattoo industry as well as the community of the Upper Ohio Valley. But now, in an unfortunate turn of events, he needs your help.

“In May 2019, Chuck was diagnosed with a form of cancer known as metastatic squamous carcinoma. Metastatic means it’s continuing to grow. It’s chronic and incurable. He has already started the first wave of what will be a lifelong series of chemotherapy treatments that will only be sparsely covered by insurance.

“His out-of-pocket medical expenses will average $4,000 monthly. As if this weren’t staggering enough, the effects of the chemotherapy have and will continue to drastically affect his ability to work. Without any outside donations from people like you, his battle with this disease will be impossible to manage.

“We implore you now to please help in any way you can. Your generosity, no matter the amount, is incredibly important and appreciated. Thank you,” according to the page, set up by Schorr’s friend, Andrew D’Cagna.

The page has raised $18,000 with a goal of $100,000.

A pre-concert dinner benefit at River City already is sold out.

Others fundraisers for Schorr are underway, are slated or are being planned. For example, Wheeling Threads has started a T-shirt fundraiser for Schorr. Designs can be viewed at www.wheelingthreads.com.

Artist and designer Daniel Finsley wrote on his business’ website that when he first got out of art school, Schorr helped him out by giving him his first freelance art job.

“The tattoo artist Scott showed Sweet Chuck my work. I was nervous. Almost hellbent on saying, `Please don’t show him …’

“And to this day, I am so wondrously thankful that I did. Without hesitation Chuck closed my sketchbook, and offered me a freelance project on the spot. My first ever! A project that was small in reference to his business, but wildly substantial to me.

“From that point that on, we had become friends. Ladies and gents, I love this man! Unfortunately, he has fallen upon hard times. … Let’s bring this together for him! Support the cause,” Finsley wrote.

Also, a Stand up to Cancer Comedy Show is set from 7-11 p.m. Sept. 20 at River City, Wheeling. Proceeds from this show will also go to Schorr. Comedians will include Jason Banks, Page Creamer, Leslie Cavala and hosted by Cody LaRue.