Photo: Pictured above from left to right, Twin City Used Car Sales’ Bobby Ledbetter, Secretary of State John Merrill and former representative Craig Ford participate in the drive-through lunch pickup on Saturday, June 13 at the Gadsden Mall. (Courtesy of Craig Ford)
The Gadsden Mall was swirling with activity this past Saturday, June 13. It was a demonstration of unity and community as well.
Bobby Ledbetter with Twin City Used Car Sales in Fort Payne, Alabama, provided lunch for over 1,000 in the Gadsden Mall parking lot. Everyone who drove through the pickup line was appreciative.
When ask about his inspiration for the gesture, Ledbetter said, “We just want to give back to the community. These are uncertain times, and we want to do something to make folks feel good.”
Ledbetter added this would not be his last giveaway. “We plan to do the same thing in Centre, Alabama on July 11. It will be a little different as that event will be held in the evening. It’s scheduled at the 411 Twin Drive-in Theatre.”
Ledbetter is a native of Etowah County — born when his parents lived in the Reece City area. They later moved to Albertville, Alabama. He has been selling cars since he was 16 years-old. He said, “I guess that is what I was born to do.”
Twin City Used Cars has been in Fort Payne since 2003, but Ledbetter is also connected with partners in auto dealerships in other areas. Cadillac of Knoxville, TN; Twin City Nissan; Airport Honda; Twin City GMC and Mazda of Knoxville to name just some.
He was quick to give credit to others involved in the Saturday event. Gadsden Police, Gadsden Fire Department, City of Gadsden, Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, Secretary of State John Merrill, Miles Smith with Western Sizzlin”, Cowboy Churches, the Gadsden Mall, Country/Gospel group “Pardoned,” Jerry Clifton, Donna Feazell, WQSB and WEIS and all the radio stations promoting the event, and especially any volunteer who worked to make this possible.