By Donna Thornton/News Editor
Last summer Gene Jelks made his first effort to give back to the Gadsden Community with Kid’s Day, bringing entertainment and inspiration to young people in the city where he grew up.
Jelks’ Above Ground Ministries is presenting the 2nd Annual Kid’s Day Event July 13 at Gadsden City Stadium. The event will feature a football clinic from 9:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. (registration is from 8-9 a.m.), a fan autograph session with former Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tiger football players from 1:30-2:30 p.m., and at 3 p.m., a flag football game between Alabama and Auburn alumni.
Former University of Alabama Head Football Coach Ray Perkins – who also coached the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants — will speak at the clinic Jelks said, along with local State Farm agent Randy Swearingin.
Pastor Eddie Nichols will present a prayer during the autograph session and Frankie Huff will sing the national anthem.
During halftime of the flag football game, Kate Falcon, J. Hogg, Infamous and Laura Dodd will perform and there will be an auction for an autographed Alabama and Auburn T-shirt.
“We’ve got a lot of good stuff planned for the kids,” Jelks said. He emphasized that this is “a Christ event,” a part of his efforts to minister to this and other communities.
Jelks said a number of former Alabama and Auburn players have agreed to come out for the event.
In addition to Jelks, Chris Moore, Chris Kerry and Pierre Goode, Joe King, Larry Rose, Joe Dismukes, Darryl Fuhrman and Antonio Langham are among those expected to attend.
Jelks said many people have agreed to give of their time to spend time with young people from Gadsden and surrounding communities.
“I think that’s a beautiful thing,” Jelks said.
There is no admission charge for the charity event, but organizers ask that those who attend make a donation, which will go to the Gadsden/Etowah County schools.
A number of sponsors helped make the event possible, including Buffalo Rock, Absolute Fitness, Cash Savers, Chik-fil-A, Jack’s, Barber’s Dairy and The Chamber.