A candlelight vigil will be held tonight for Charleston resident Gina L. Giberson, 40, the victim of a severe attack last week.

She suffered severe injuries to her head and face from the attack.

The vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. outside the Coles County Courthouse, 651 Jackson Ave. Donations will be accepted at the vigil.

“I think that it is going to make a pretty big statement to a lot of people about the support system that this community can provide,” said Christina Mills, a friend of Giberson who helped organize the vigil. “I want her to know when she wakes up how much we were all pulling for her.”

On Oct. 16, the Charleston Police Department responded to a domestic violence report and arrested Jason A. Abernathy, 33, for suspicion of domestic battery.

Abernathy was then taken to Coles County Safety and Detention Center, while Giberson was transported to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, where she is currently in critical condition.

“It has been a week since Tuesday, and Gina has yet to regain consciousness,” Mills said.

In addition, a benefit concert featuring the band Tailspin has been scheduled for 5 p.m. Nov. 3 at The Station.

Benefit accounts made in Giberson’s name have been established for donations at First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust and First Financial Bank, and donation cans have been placed at local businesses. The donations will go toward Giberson’s medical expenses at Carle.

Giberson’s home was also destroyed in a fire last Wednesday. The fire is still under investigation.

“It’s been an uplifting experience to see this community really get behind Gina like they have,” Mills said. “She is going to need it because when Gina does wake up and come home, she doesn’t even have a home to come back to. Everything was lost.”

Donations can also be made by calling Mills at (217) 218-5563 or her sister, Kathy Carey, at (217) 218-5564.