Gliding, “Electric Sliding” and a hint of ballroom finesse, sounds of The Temptations, Lionel Richie and James Brown echoed throughout the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center Thursday evening to benefit a good cause.

As more than 300 guests gathered for fellowship, food and wine for the third annual Mayors of the Black Belt Charity Ball, to raise money for the American Red Cross, dignitaries and members of the community deemed it another success.

Several mayors of the Black Belt were pleased with the night’s activities.

“This is the second time I’ve been here,” said Anthony J. Long, mayor of Marion. “Perry County and Marion give things to the Red Cross all the time. The Red Cross helps everyone.”

Both mayors Raymond Steele of Eutaw and Helenor Bell of Hayneville said Selma Mayor George Evans continues to do an outstanding job of bringing people together.

“The music, the appearance — it’s fantastic,” Steele said.

“Mayor Evans and the Red Cross should be commended for all the hard work they’ve done.”

“It just gets better every year,” Bell said.

Louretta Wimberly, Selma resident, said the event exhibits the true people of Selma.

“This kind of thing used to happen in Selma all of the time,” she said. “It’s just important for blacks and whites to come together in activities and blend. We’re all equal.”

Evans said he wants next year’s gala to be an even bigger success.

“It’s a great crowd here, all tables seem to be occupied,” Evans said.

“Let’s try to double and even triple our numbers next year.”