The Selma Times-Journal

When her name was called, she said she couldn’t believe it.

Brenda Smith was the winner of a three-bedroom, two-bath home in Selma Gardens on Tenth Avenue given away on-site, Saturday at 1:45 p.m. And to top it all off, the man behind Selma Gardens Project and CRS Development, LLC is none other than Chris Samuels, offensive lineman for the Washington Redskins.

After a few minor details, Smith can move into her new home in about four weeks.

Smith’s home is currently one of four in the development, but is the only one to be given away.

Applications were taken during and following the Annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee.

Samuels, originally from Mobile,

said he has no ties to Selma, but it’s because of the Queen City’s role in the civil rights movement that he decided to invest in the community.

According to Monique Cox, CRS operations manager, 75 homes will go up at Selma Gardens and will be for sale. Cox said the homes are very energy efficient and she was happy to be part of the development.

Also attending the event were Samuels’ parents, James and Shirley.

James congratulated Smith and said he counts it a blessing to have a son who wants to give back.

Shirley expressed the same feelings. She said she feels blessed to have &8220;a son who is not selfish.&8221;

Chris, the youngest of four boys, was &8220;a sickly child,&8221; according to his mother.

Despite his sickness, Shirley said she knew her son would grow up to do great things.

Samuels gave Mayor James Perkins Jr. credit for helping

CRS get off the ground in Selma.

Samuels said Mobile will be the site of CRS’ next development.

For more information about CRS or Selma Gardens, call 1-877-CRS-6316 or visit www.crsdevelopment.com.