What began as one Lawrence woman’s idea to hold a small benefit concert to help raise money for hurricane relief has turned into a full-blown, daylong concert with a carnival atmosphere.

“It’s just amazing what’s happened,” Dayna Seiger said. “I just wanted to have a benefit. I didn’t realize it would be so intense. But it’s going to be a great event.”

In the span of five weeks, Seiger, along with other Lawrence women, formed a nonprofit group called “Love from Lawrence” and put together a benefit, which will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday on the west side of South Park. Admission is free.

The benefit is to raise funds for hurricane relief and donations for area food pantries, said Seiger and Karen Drees, chairwomen of the event.

“Love from Lawrence” will feature eight live bands, children’s games and activities, a bake sale, food vendors and a beer garden.

“For every nonperishable food donation people make, we give them a ticket to play the kids’ games,” Drees said.

The children’s games include a fish pond, ring toss, pony rides and face painting.

Seiger and Drees said eight women make up the core group working on the event, but hundreds of people, organizations and businesses have contributed to the cause.

The Lawrence Jaycees and the Luncheon Optimists covered liability insurance for the benefit concert. Supersonic Sound and Mass Street Music are providing sound equipment for the bands.

“The KU Athletic Department donated tickets to the KU-Mizzou basketball game as a prize in our drawing,” Drees said. “Everyone just throws in what they have. The community has been really supportive. We just hope people come out and have a good time for a good cause.”