The Vineyard community from here and abroad showed up for a fundraiser to help an Island personality coping with medical hardship. Jim Moore, a sales representative from Island Food Products and a former food and beverage director for the Harbor View Hotel, is fighting the cancer Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

More than 250 people showed up for the packed evening gathering at the Harbor View. “It was a tremendous, outstanding turnout,” said John Murray of the Harbor View Hotel, explaining that Mr. Moore was admitted two days after Sen. Edward (Ted) Kennedy was in Boston last May into the same hospital but had to wait three days for a room to open up; Mr. Moore and Senator Kennedy have the same tumor.

Many thousands of dollars were raised, Mr. Murray said. The exact amount was still being calculated as of Tuesday.

Admission was $30. The Harbor View, together with refreshment providers and many sponsors put the event together so that nearly all of the money raised will go to Mr. Moore and his wife, Shannon.

Trip Barnes was auctioneer for 10 items that were offered. There were 40 items assembled together for a silent auction in the Menemsha Room.

“This shows how generous the people of the Island can be, to put together something to help one in need,” Mr. Murray said.

Mr. Moore, of Tisbury, was diagnosed with his cancer six months ago and began treatments soon after. He was the food and beverage director for the hotel for 14 years. He had just taken over a new job late last year for Island Food Products. He and his wife have three young school age children. Teachers from the school volunteered in the event. “The evening was one of those great opportunities for people who don’t normally meet up, get together and do it for a good cause. Lots of friends came from off-Island, too.”

Mr. Moore, who had gone through significant treatments, was able to attend the fundraiser with the help of others. “He was there with his wife. A limousine service had volunteered to pick them up at their house,” Mr. Murray said.

Contributions to help are still being collected. Checks should be payable to Jim and Shannon Moore. Mail them to John Murray, director of engineering, Harbor View Hotel, 131 North Water street, P.O. Box 7, Edgartown, MA 02539.