GPE Fun Day celebrates 10th year
Published 1:42 pm Tuesday, October 15, 2019
The Evans Special Benefit Fund Golf Classic and Fun Day celebrated its 10th year Tuesday at the George P. Evans Building.
The room was full of special needs children in Selma and Dallas County, staff from Cahaba Mental Health and West Alabama Rehabilitation.
Cheerleaders from Keith High, Southside High, Dallas County and Martin Middle School and Dallas County band performed. Selma Fire Department (SFD) also assisted with the event.
The event started when George Evans was Selma’s Mayor in 2009. Evans served two terms as Mayor, from 2008 to 2016. Evans continued to run the event after he was no longer Mayor. Evans also worked with special needs kids as superintendent of Dallas County Schools and former city council President.
Courtney Utsey, Special Education Director for Selma City Schools, said she appreciates Evans’ dedication to special needs children.
“George Evans puts a lot of effort into the event,” Utsey said. “This event gives the kids something to look forward to. They look forward to dancing at the event.”
Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn also praised Evans for creating the event. His daughter, Jimicia Nunn, is a special needs student.
“It’s a great event,” Nunn said. “The kids are enjoying themselves. The event is a great way for the kids to get out of the classroom.”
State Senator Malika Sanders-Fortier, Dallas County Commissioner Valerie Reubin and Selma City Councilwomen Angela Benjamin, Miah Jackson and Jannie Thomas were among the high-profile officials who attended the event.
“I’m glad that George Evans decided to start this event,” Reubin said. “It’s a great way to recognize special needs children.”
In connection with fun day, the 10th annual GPE Golf Classic will be held Wednesday at the Valley Grande Golf Course. Proceeds from the tournament goes to support special needs children in the area, including Easterseals West Central Alabama, Cahaba Mental Health, Selma City Schools and Dallas County Schools.
“It’s still going strong,” Evans said. “It brings joy to my heart to see the kids having fun and hear people praise the event. I’d still like to make the event bigger and add more sponsors.”
