There were hardy laughs throughout Jase Robertson’s speech during Meadowview Christian School’s Sunday in Selma praise and worship service, held Sunday at Selma’s Memorial Stadium, but his message returned again and again to the importance of faith and family.

Robertson, one star of the A&E network’s Duck Dynasty television show, said his family’s focus on faith and family is clearly a reason for the show’s popularity.

“I’d like to think the most important thing is that ‘it’ factor my family shares is what you see when we gather around that table and we pray together,” Robertson said. “This is not just something we say; our priorities are God, people and ducks, in that order. And that’s not going to change.”

Robertson thanked his fans and supporters Sunday for their enduring support of the show that has drawn criticism for its Christian-based messages.

“I want to thank you for the support that you all have shown my family,” Robertson said. “We just thought there were enough shows out there that make fun of Christ and Godly principles and use a lot of four letter words, and there was enough friction and drama. We decided to not compromise on our faith, our family or our duck season.”

Peggy Tipton, who helped organize the event, said over $2,000 was raised during a collection taken during Sunday’s service. That money will be divided evenly among four local charities; Load of Love, Integrity Worldwide, Teen Challenge of Alabama and Sav-A-Life of Dallas County.

Selma resident Teja Schmitt, who was one of the 1,100 people who attended Sunday’s event, said she has been a supporter of Duck Dynasty show since it began airing in large part because of the message of family and religion.

“What impressed me most is that the whole show is so family oriented and they are so close to Jesus,” Schmitt said. “And it does help to bring people together to show them how important it is to have God in the middle of all that we do. It’s like a scale, if you put God in the middle, everything will balance out.”`

Amanda Ross attended the show with her daughter, 4-year-old Mallory, and said they were both equally excited for the chance to see one of their favorite TV stars.

“Mallory was so excited to see Jase. She watches him all the time and sometimes she’ll fall asleep with Duck Dynasty still on the TV,” Ross said moments after her daughter was able to meet and exchange a high five with Robertson. “For him to take timeout and speak with the kids for a few minutes before his speech was great.”

Melissa Vardaman, parent teacher organization president at Meadowview, said she was thrilled to see all the planning and preparations pay off with a beautiful day at Memorial Stadium.

“We are so thankful for the beautiful day,” Vardaman said. “And it’s a really big deal to have him here today. Our community needs Jesus, and it’s just great having someone of his stature coming to share the message of faith and family with us.”