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Last weekend, the Blackbelt Benefit Group held its annual  Rockin’ Rib-Off and Rick Carter Songwriter Festival in downtown Selma.

The rain didn’t damper any of the fun that occurred, as local organizations pitted their barbecuing prowess against each other to see who had the best barbecue. The Selma Lions Club came out on top of the competition, but the real winner was the All Things Are Possible (ATAP) Community Development Corporation supporting the Winston Williams Homeless Shelter. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves as the outreach arm of Gospel Tabernacle Church.

Pastor John Grayson received a check from the Blackbelt Benefit Group for $10,000. That doesn’t include other donations from the event, including the Lions Club’s donation of the top prize back to ATAP.

And that money will go right back into the volunteer organization that provides shelter for those who do not have access to any other shelter. It serves a small group of men and women each day. They get a hot meal at night and breakfast in the morning. They get to take a shower and clean up from the day’s activities. And they have a warm bed in an air-conditioned house to sleep in that night.

Now, those staying with them must go out and volunteer their time each day. They must be out working during the day in order to have their spot the next night. If they need clothing or any other essentials, the shelter is able to provide for them through the donations of the community.

Grayson and our hopes are that this mission will be able to expand its ability to reach more homeless residents in our community and help them get back on their feet.

This is a worthy cause, and we hope that you will consider offering any assistance you can give whether it’s financially, providing volunteer work for the residents or volunteering to help at the shelter is greatly appreciated. They have proved their excellent stewardship with the resources they have.