Alabama football greats, Earnest “Smokey” Hodge, Chris Goode, and Reginald Gipson will join board officials, staff, faculty, family, and friends of McRae Gaines Learning Center, Selma, at an event to celebrate the schools 40th Anniversary on Thursday, May 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The celebration will be held at the Pride of Alabama Elks Lodge, located on 4304 Water Avenue. Refreshments and food will be served.  The event is open to the community.

Hodge was a standout linebacker at Auburn University during the team’s legendary successful seasons of the late 1980s.  Goode, a defensive back from Town Creek, AL, played his college football at the University of Alabama, and professionally for seven seasons with the Indianapolis Colts from 1987 to 1993. Gipson, a running back, played at Alabama A&M, and was drafted in 1983 by the Seattle Seahawks.

“I am excited about our 40th Anniversary celebration and that these fine gentlemen would take the time to recognize the important work we are doing to educate our children at McRae Gaines,” said Sadie Moss, director of MGLC.  “It is heartening to know they haven’t forgotten about the importance of their early education, and that they make our mission a priority in their lives to benefit the children of Dallas County.”

Donations from those who attend will benefit MGLC’s mission and Guardian Angel Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support for families of children ages 12 months to eight years of age.

Those attending will also be afforded the opportunity to win an autographed football signed by the three NFL guests, as well as a soccer ball signed by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Mia Hamm.

McRae Gaines Learning Center was founded in 1978, and is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. MGLC officials will soon announce the official start of a capital campaign to ensure the school’s future in educating innovative leaders for the 21st century as part of its year-long anniversary celebration.