Hartselle has the name of being the “City of Southern Hospitality.”  We put this on billboards, on websites, and share this with newcomers. One of the ways this manifests itself is in the way the citizens of Hartselle will come together to support a cause.  Folks are willing to give of their time, talents, and even their money to support a cause.  Last week two separate groups asked for the town’s support and it was returned abundantly.
The annual Relay for Life and the Hartselle Fine Arts Center Benefit were both scheduled for the last weekend in April.  However due to the tragic tornado outbreak of April 27 both events were postponed until last week.  Both groups had concerns that changing the dates might hurt their fundraising but this was not to be.
Relay for Life held its event Friday night, May 13.  Unfortunately rain forced the event to move from the usual location of J.P. Cain Stadium to the Sparkman Civic Center, but response to this event was still great.  More than 300 participated and nearly $120,000 was raised to continue the fight against cancer.  This annual event remembers those who lost the battle to cancer and celebrates the lives of those who have battled the disease.  There is a place for anyone who would like to be involved in the event.
The Hartselle Fine Arts Center held the 11th annual Dinner and Silent Auction Benefit May 12.  This annual benefit raises funds that enable the continued renovation and operation of the historic old building, formerly the home of F.E. Burleson Elementary School.  The costs of just heating and cooling the building are huge and the funds raised during the benefit help take care of the utilities and other needs of the center.  Response to this event was very good.   More than a hundred people attended either the dinner, silent auction, or both.  Thanks to the generosity of local merchants and individuals who donated items and those who bid on them the center was able to raise over $6,000 from the silent auction alone.
Thanks Hartselle for once again showing your hospitality and generosity by supporting local events and their fundraising efforts.  You always come through and your support is greatly appreciated by those who seek it.
Randy Garrison is the general manager of the Hartselle Enquirer.