By By Adam Prestridge
If you live in Atmore and need help, don't fret.
Just state your need or cause and the friendly residents and businesses of Atmore will come to the rescue.
Earlier this month, Bratt residents Jason and Tracy McDonald made a plea for help with their son, Bryant's, medical expenses after he received a brain lobotomy on June 20, 2005. Bryant, who was born with seven brain malformations, was accepted into a therapy program in Macon, Ga. after his heath reached a certain level.
The therapy is intended to help better several of Bryant's life skills such as walking and talking. The only hitch, as with most medical practices, there is a lofty price tag.
All the McDonald family had to do was ask for help, the community did the rest.
Monday night if you happened to drive past David's Catfish the parking lot was overflowing. It was so jammed packed with cars, truck and SUVs, this reporter had to park just in front of the drive-thru window.
Motorists who live in Atmore or are familiar with Atmore may have done a double take when they noticed the crowd because everyone knows that David's is closed on Mondays. There are always reasons to make exceptions and this time it was for a benefit to help a four-year-old boy.
Catfish, shrimp and cheese grits weren't on the menu for customers to choose from, but for a donation of $6 they received a hot bowl of mouth-watering chili and crackers, a drink and a dessert. A steady flow of customers converged on David's to take part in the great cause, which helped the McDonald family raise more than $6,000 for their little boy.
Customers also had the opportunity to take part in a silent auction full of items ranging from Alabama and Auburn pictures and memorabilia, hunting and fishing equipment, oil changes, car washes, electronics, toys, games and much, much more. More than 100 items were donated for auction, which played a huge role in raising funds.
A host of volunteers donated their time and efforts to help cook and serve chili, bus tables, take up donations, run the silent auction and simply lend a helping hand.
That's what Atmore's all about; helping others when they are in need.
All in all, the event went over really well and Bryant was there to witness it all. And in his own way, he thanked every last customer.
His laughter and cheer was enough to make you want to cry. Or in this case, go back for seconds or outbid your neighbor.
Adam Prestridge is publisher of the Atmore Advance. His column appears weekly.