The Sons of Italy will be cooking a big spaghetti-and-meatball dinner at St. Bernadette's School on Sunday, April 15, to benefit the family of slain King County Sheriff's Deputy Steve Cox.

Event organizer Jill Sisley said all money raised "will help to pay off the house Steve bought. We're just trying to give back to Maria [Cox's widow] what Steve gave to the community.

"I knew him personally so this is a personal thing with me."

Deputy Cox was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 2 while investigating a shooting in White Center. A known gang member who lived in Burien shot him. The gunman then was shot and killed by other deputies.

In addition to his wife, Deputy Cox is survived by his one-year-old son Bronson.

Dino's Greek & Italian Cuisine, 17624 First Avenue South in Burien/Normandy Park, and the Pancake Chef, International Boulevard (Highway 99) and South 152nd Street in Tukwila, are co-sponsoring the fundraiser.

Sisley is a server at Dino's and the Pancake Chef is owned by her father Loren Sisley.

Dinner will include salad, garlic bread, wine and dessert.

The event from 1 to 5 p.m. will include a raffle "with lot's of great items," Sisley added.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Dino's, any King County Sheriff's precinct including the Southwest Precinct office at 14905 Sixth Ave. S.W. in Burien, or at the door.

St. Bernadette's School hall is at 1020 S.W. 128th St.