He’s known as “The Hart of Bellevue High:” a developmentally delayed alumnus from the class of 1964.

Gary Hartness has been a constant at the school since his freshman year, and few people are more engaged with all things Wolverine to this day.

Now members of the BHS community have a chance to return that support with a benefit dance that raises money for their number-one fan in the wake of his mother’s death.

Students from the school’s advanced leadership class helped organize the event, which takes place Saturday at 7 p.m. at Bellevue High (10416 Southeast Wolverine Way).

Hartness is a permanent fixture at Bellevue High, where he is known for his love of sports and music. He attends virtually every athletic event and dance, and also helps the school’s custodial staff most days.

“Everybody at our school knows Gary,” said Bellevue student Christina Walker. “There’s something about him. He always has a huge smile on his face. I guess he symbolizes community within our school.”

The Gary Hop is an old benefit dance that hasn’t taken place in over a decade.

A group of student from Bellevue’s advanced leadership class revived the event as part of a five-year plan to help Hartness sustain himself. They also set up a trust account that won’t interfere with his government disability money.

“Gary’s just this sweet, sweet man that all the kids have loved,” said teacher Kathy Adams, who advised the leadership students. “They all want to show him some support, since he’s shown them so much support over the years.”

Hartness is a fairly independent person, according to longtime friend and retired Bellevue High teacher Bruce Robinson, but he’s just now realizing how much support came from his mother.

“He really misses that help,” Robinson said. “We’re all trying to fill a void there for him.”