Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Dr. Winston A. Williams Shelter for the Homeless in Selma is received a big gift thanks to the Blackbelt Benefit Group’s Rockin’ Rib-Off and Rick Carter Songwriter Festival.

The shelter through the All Things are Possible Community Development Corporation received a $10,000 check that was raised during the June 1 festival in downtown Selma.

Councilman Clay Carmichael, who helps organize the annual barbecue cook-off and music festival, said they are grateful that they can help such a great mission in Selma.

“(All Things Are Possible) and Pastor John E. Grayson are so special to our community,” Carmichael said. “Their positive efforts are relentless and always come through in the clutch. Winston Williams Homeless Shelter is a great example of that. Thank you for all that you do for Selma and the Blackbelt.”

Pastor Walt Grayson said he was grateful for the support of the community through this event to help them fulfill their calling here in Selma. In addition to the $10,000 given from the group, the first place Selma Lions Club also donated their $1,500 cash prize, and they received a few other donations during the event.

“I’d like to give a big thank you to Clay Carmichael and Blackbelt Benefit Group along with all the wonderful sponsors and supporters of the Rockin Rib-Off,” Grayson said. “This is tremendous for us. What an awesome city we live in where the community comes together and takes care of the needs of their neighbors. The actual total after adding the donation from our friends with the Selma Lions Club and from Adam Brown makes a total of $11,750. Thank you Selma community. This is the real Selma, Alabama.”

Grayson said they will be using the money to help them run the shelter along with doing repairs to their building, which is located on Broad Street. They have done several renovations to the bathrooms, kitchen and living areas, but there is much more to do. They are also planning to add additional room so that they could accommodate a family along with other planned upgrades.

Residents who spend the night at the shelter receive a hot meal each night, breakfast in the morning and have access to a bathroom where they shower at night. The shelter also sends out the residents to do work or volunteer work during the day before they are welcomed back the next night.

Those who wish to donate to the worthy cause can send donations to the Gospel Tabernacle Shelter Fund, P.O. Box 892, Selma, AL 36701. Grayson said they are also seeking volunteers and businesses who have volunteer opportunities for the residents.