Anniston, AL – A recent charity event brought together fire departments and police departments from across Calhoun County to raise funds for the Weaver Volunteer Fire Department. The event saw enthusiastic participation from the Weaver Police, Weaver Fire, Anniston Police, Anniston Fire, Piedmont Police, and Ohatchee Police. Additionally, Rainbow Omega came out in full support of the Fire Department. The event was organized by the Calhoun County Blue Line Foundation.
The charity event consisted of two parts. The first part, held on Friday, was a free event for kids to interact with fire and police vehicles and meet the first responders. This fun-filled event took place at the Sinclair Social, whose owners graciously agreed to donate a portion of all proceeds to the Weaver Fire Department. While the exact amount raised was not available at the time of this release, the community’s support was evident.
The main event, the Smoke Eaters Chili Challenge, brought out the competitive spirit among the participating agencies. Judges selected winners based on a blind tasting. The judging panel included Senator Keith Kelley, Piedmont Police Chief Nathan Johnson, and retired Weaver City Councilman Tim McRae. In a surprising twist, the overall winner of the $500 prize was Pam Johnson, wife of Chief Johnson. Organizers assured everyone that the tasting was indeed blind! Chief Johnson joked that the win was a surprise to him as well, but it probably made his life easier. In addition to the main prize, Piedmont Police will keep the trophy for a year until next year’s challenge.
The second place winner was Brady Yancy of Weaver Fire Department, who won $250 and generously donated it back to his agency. Captain Clint Dover of Anniston Fire took third place, winning $100 for third place and another $100 for tasters’ choice, both of which he donated to the Weaver Fire Department.
The event was held at The Kress, with venue owners Toby Kilpatrick and Andy Koehler donating the use of their space. The entire event was a fun community gathering with friendly competition and great music by Delta Time, who played non-stop and donated their services to the event. Delta Time’s performance was a highlight, as the band delivered an electrifying mix of rock hits. Their energetic performance kept the crowd entertained and added to the festive atmosphere of the event. The band’s commitment to the cause was evident, as they played continuously throughout the event, providing a lively backdrop to the friendly competition and community spirit.
The following businesses supported the event: Calhoun County Commission, Washin Laundry, Ft. McClellan Credit Union, AOD FCU, Sinclair Social, The Kress, J&M Midway, Redbird Willow Farm, Clendenning Land Surveying, Buckhorn Grocery, and Cutter’s Pizzeria. Organizers also extended their heartfelt thanks to all those who graciously donated.
If anyone else would like to donate, please visit Calhoun County Blue Line Foundation. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this wonderful cause!
