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Steven Edmondson (left) and Trinity Taylor

(Special to Al.com)

When Martin Taylor learned a friend was critically injured during a car wreck earlier this month, the first thing that came to mind was to find a way to help a man who makes it a priority to help others.

It was one of the ways Taylor settled the shock after he learned the news about Steven Edmondson through social media: Edmondson's left arm was partially amputated and his legs were shattered from the femur down during a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 31 in Homewood on March 4. But beneath the sadness were stories from friends and family about how Edmondson fed the hungry despite lack of finances and when he stayed with a friend for 10 months to help them take care of a relative with Alzheimer's without payment.

One Community benefit event flyer

The urge to help Edmondson manifested into a benefit event that will be held Friday at WorkPlay to raise funds as he continues to recover from the accident at UAB Hospital. The fundraiser kicks off with a silent auction of about 30-50 items from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and will be followed by a performance from Trinity Taylor, a Birmingham-area native who is starring on RuPaul's Drag Race season 9. Attendants can also expect show-stopping performances by Ginger Snapp, Chloe Von Trapp, Audrina Taylor and Cierra Symone Campbell. Proceeds from the silent auction, ticket sales and all donations collected during the benefit will go toward Edmondson and his fiance Cody Henderson's living expenses.

Martin Taylor, one of the organizers for the event, met Edmondson after opening his own gym two years ago. They bonded over exercising tips as Edmondson worked to get his fitness instructor license. He was supposed to take the test in April so he can become an instructor at Martin Taylor's gym. But outside the world of physical fitness, Edmondson became Martin Taylor's source of strength.

"I was in a car accident last July and he was one of the first people who said, 'I hope you feel better. Let me know if you need anything,'" Martin Taylor said. "He's one of those people who checks to see how you are at random times. Some people are so caught up in daily routines...He's just trying to be there for other people."

A week after the wreck, Martin Taylor contacted his friend Trinity Taylor about being part of the benefit event. Although Trinity Taylor doesn't know Edmondson, she was moved by his story and hopes to alleviate some of the financial worries Edmondson may encounter in the future.

"He is part of the gay community that I call home in Birmingham," Trinity Taylor said. "As a Drag Queen, we are always looked at to be a voice for our community or to serve to help. With the international platform of RuPaul's Drag Race, I hope to draw a crowd to support and to raise money for this event. It's important to be kind, do good things and pay forward your blessings in life."

The event is called "One Community" for a reason, Martin Taylor said. Edmondson has received a surge of love and support since the accident. One of his friends and coworker launched a GoFundMe account which has raised over $20,500 of its $25,000 goal. Edmondson's job, The TakeOutBham, donated $3,000 after hosting a fundraiser on March 11. Martin Taylor said the response isn't surprising considering the Edmondson and Henderson's giving attitude.

"I cannot imagine the financial burden and stress they are going through and will continue to endure over many years to come," he said. "The LGBT community has made it clear that they see Steven and Cody as a member of their family and want them to know we support them as we would any family of our family," Martin Taylor said.

Tickets can be bought in advance for $10 by clicking here. The price at the door is $15. VIP tickets, which includes two drink tickets, appetizers and a meet and greet with Trinity and the rest of the performers, can also be bought online for $30.