By Alaina Denean Deshazo | The Selma Times-Journal

Although the golf carts may be full, Selma Mayor George Evans is still urging people to come out and support the seventh annual Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic Wednesday at Valley Grande Golf Course and make donations to support special needs children in Selma and Dallas County.

Evans said he always enjoys participating in the golf tournament, as well as throwing a party for the kids.

“Every year I enjoy [participating],” Evans said. “I enjoy fellowshipping with the young people as well as fellowshipping with the golfers who come out to participate.”

Evans gained his love of children and special needs kids when he was in education.

“When I was in education, I worked with special needs children as a director and superintendent, so I’ve always felt these young people need represented in our community,” Evans said. “They contribute to society as well I think they need to be recognized, identified and everybody know they make a contribution to our community as well. I just want to show them how much we appreciate them too.”

The proceeds will go toward Cahaba Mental Health, West Alabama Rehabilitation East-Seals, Selma City Schools, Dallas County Schools and Selma Disability Advocacy Center.

Evans said although his time as mayor is coming to a close, the fundraiser is special to him and he plans to continue holding the tournament and supporting the children.

“I do plan to continue after my time is up [as mayor],” Evans said. “I do plan to keep this annual event. I don’t want it to end because I leave the position, I want to continue to have this program for kids.”

The golf tournament is a flighted, three-man scramble, and Evans will be at the eighteenth green to try to hole a putt for each team.

Donations should be made payable to the “GPE Mayor’s Charitable Fund,” a 501c3 organization.

For more information abut the tournament or how to donate, call the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce at 874-2101.