Margie Burlison is looking forward to a phone call she should receive today at the Blue Cat Lounge on Franklin Street.

&uot;I can’t wait to talk to him. Also I’m dreading it too. I know all of us are going to be teary eyed when we talk to him,&uot; Burlison said. &uot;I hope that I can hold up until I get off the phone with him.&uot;

The call in question is expected to come from Edward &uot;Skeeter&uot; Wilson, who was placed in rehabilitation Wednesday from injuries he received from a fall at International Paper’s Natchez mill in April.

Wilson has said he will call the Blue Cat Lounge today to talk with the people who are working to put together a fundraiser for him on Saturday – the Scooters for Skeeter Poker Run.

It is being sponsored by the Blue Cat Lounge, ABATE of Mississippi and the Mystic Krewe of Alpheus.

&uot;It just tickled him to death&uot; to hear that people were planning the fundraiser for him, Burlison said.

&uot;It was like a little kid on Christmas morning,&uot; Burlison said.

Wilson, an employee of the paper mill, suffered head and back injuries when he fell off a catwalk while working. Since then, he has been recovering at University Medical Center in Jackson.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Wilson and whatever he needs during his recuperation, said Burlison who is helping to coordinate the effort.

She says the support from the community has been tremendous.

&uot;I have never seen one benefit with so many people willing to give,&uot;&160;Burlison said.

She thinks that is a testament to the life Wilson lived in the community.

&uot;He’s well loved by everybody and very much well respected,&uot; Burlison said. &uot;He does for everybody. He’s just really active in charity and community services.&uot;

Wilson’s friends have been talking about holding a fundraiser for some time. &uot;It was like a mutual agreement on everybody’s part,&uot; Burlison said.

In recent days, Burlison said she has spent her time working on raffles, donations and coordinating details.

&uot;I feel a sense of gratification and satisfaction,&uot; Burlison said. &uot;(We know) that we’re doing something to show him who much we care about him, respect him and love him.&uot;

The Poker Run will begin at noon Saturday June 30 at the Blue Cat Lounge. The run includes stops at the Landing in Monterey,La, Gators in Jonesville, La., Slims Lounge on U.S. 84, and the Steele Horse in Natchez.

Tickets for singles cost $15 and tickets for doubles cost $25. Food and raffle tickets will also be for sale at the Blue Cat Lounge.