By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

 

Tuesday, Selma Mayor George Evans welcomed the special needs children of Selma and Dallas County schools to gather for entertainment and celebration.

The second annual Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic Luncheon was held Tuesday at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center to celebrate the special needs children of Dallas County.

Evans said the event was a great time for the children, and he’s grateful for the support of his co-sponsors.

“It’s wonderful. All the children from the city and county schools are here and the agencies from the city and county,” Evans said. “It’s a wonderful turn out. I’m just happy with all the support we’ve gotten from the different groups and sponsors that made this happen, including the probate judge (Kim Ballard), Mayor (Tom) Lee, and their support for progress for Selma and Dallas County. I’m just thankful.”

The children in attendance, their parents and the aide workers who help them were treated to lunch, while the Selma Fire Department and storyteller Abayomi Goodall provided entertainment for the children.

Famous characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Tigger, Winnie the Pooh, Sparky from the Selma Fire Department and Spider-Man also entertained the children.

Evans said his past work as a special education coordinator with the county schools system years ago is what makes him appreciate special needs children and what inspired him to form this event and his annual golf classic where all proceeds are donated to help those children in need.

“I just think that these kids sometimes are not a part of some of the things that go on as far as entertainment,” Evans said. “In many cases, a lot of the special-needs children don’t have programs like this where they can feel like they’re a part of the whole process. Sometimes, they don’t get the recognition. It’s a way to say we love them, too like we love all of our children. This is just a means to celebrate who they are and not leave them behind.”

Lee, who co-sponsors the golf tournament and the luncheon, said the event is great for the children and also a way to show the people who work with those children they are appreciated.

“You can see that this is a labor of love,” Lee said. “This is special to us to be able and help them do their job.”

Suzanne Friday with Dallas County special education said it’s great for the children and the support has been tremendous.

“It’s meant a lot for the children. A lot the field trips and events that regular children get to participate in, your special-needs children have a limited opportunity to get to participate,” Friday said. “The mayor’s heart has always been with special education and he has been very supportive. We have been able to pick up some much-needed equipment with the funds that he has raised last year and we have really enjoyed it this year.”

The Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic is still scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. at Valley Grande Golf Course despite inclement weather concerns.