Mystic - A fundraiser that will benefit the effort to erect a life-size statue of the late John Kelley of Mystic will be held May 12 from 5 to 9 p.m. at St. Edmund's Retreat Center on Enders Island.

Today is the 55th anniversary of Kelley's victory at the the 1957 Boston Marathon. The former Fitch High School teacher also competed in two Olympic Games and was an eight-time national marathon champion.

After he died in August, friends began an effort to raise $100,000 for statue in his memory. So far, the group, called Friends of Kell, has raised about $14,000 with commitments for more donations.

There will be music, hors d'ouevres and a cash bar. Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door. More information is available at www.johnkelley.org. or by calling Jim Roy at (860) 941-7683.