SUMMERDALE, Ala. — Good food and good times plus a spirit of generosity and support for a worthy cause was the theme of the night as the Alabama Sheriff’s Boys Ranch held its 13th Annual Pig Roast and Live Auction on Friday, Feb. 25 in Summerdale.

With pork overflowing along with many sides, the 500 in attendance packed into the gym decorated in a cowboy theme and showed their love for the boys and by the end of the night, $50,000 was raised, according to Jimmy Harmon, public relations director for the ranch.

“We had a great turnout and are so appreciative of everyone who came out to support us. We have some really good people in our community and they are wonderful to us,” Harmon said.

Baldwin County Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack along with other sheriff’s department members were in attendance as well as Baldwin County Commissioner Tucker Dorsey, Baldwin County District Attorney Halle Dixon, and several mayors from different municipalities.

“We consider the Boy’s Ranch a jewel of Baldwin County. So many people don’t know it’s here and what a difference it makes in the lives of the boys that live here. We had to close a ranch in North Alabama because of lack of funding and it was so sad for us. But thanks to your generosity and support, and the care and concern you have for the ranch, we don’t have to worry about that here. Thank you for what you do and for making a difference in the lives of the boys,” Mack said.

The event began at 5:30 with a silent auction featuring many unique items stretched along the walls of the gym and then the live auction began after the 6 p.m. dinner.

Jim Harmon, who runs the ranch, welcomed everyone and had many words of praise for Mack. “The sheriff’s department has supported the ranch 100 percent and through this and the golf tournament held every year, have raised $100,000 for us in three years. We are so grateful and thankful for their support for us.”

Many community members and businesses came together to make the event successful by donating items for the auction and money through Diamond ($1,000), Platinum ($500), Gold ($250) and Silver ($100) sponsorships.

Those sponsors are America Air Solutions Inc., American Merchandise Liquidators, Baldwin EMC, Bob and Vivian Engel, Buffalo Rock/Pepsi Co., Campbell Hardware and Sporting Goods, Charlie and Jo Ann Fisher, Charles and Janice Runels, Chucks Transmission, Citizens’ Bank, Dale and Darlene Sommerfield, Diesel Fuel Injection Rebuild Center Inc., Don and Kip Morrissette, Elizabeth Coward, Flora Grimes, Jack Dixon, Jim and Mary Malone, Lynn Wilkins, M. Shoemaker, Neuschwander, Farrcloth and Hardy PC, Maureen and George Herstek, Racine Feed, Garden and Supply Inc., Robertsdale Automotive, Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack, Shirley Kendrick, Stastka Insurance Agency, Sweat Tire, W.O. Jensen and Wrights Drug.

Also 48 community members and local businesses donated items for the live auction that included jewelry, cruises, vacation packages, autographed Alabama and Auburn footballs, guns, kayaks, grills, antique furniture, flowers and art items.

One of the highlights of the live auction was “deputy for the day” where someone would get to go the work at the sheriff’s department for a day and do all the things they do in a day’s time. And because of Mack’s persuasive pitch, this item went for $350.

Everyone at the ranch got involved with helping out at the event from selling t-shirts to helping with the auction to cleaning up afterward.

Stephen Jones, ranch resident and senior at Foley High School, also had some words of wisdom for the gathered crowd. “I don’t know where I would be without the ranch. They have been so good to me and have given me a new life and taught me so much. I am so thankful to be here and for the love and support of Pop Harmon.”

An added bonus to the night was a gospel song sung by Charles, one of the younger boys at the ranch. Because of his shy nature, he had to go in another room to sing but his song and sweet voice brought tears to the eyes of many and a standing ovation from the crowd.

Opened in 1987, The BC ranch sits on 180 acres and is an actual working ranch where the staff teach children to participate in livestock care, farm work and lawn care. Ranchers are taught responsibility by completing daily chores and participate in family devotions and showing respect for the country they live in.

Founded in 1966, the ranch was started to provide homes for children ages six to 18 who come from unfortunate circumstances not of their own making. The ranches are not reform schools or correctional institutions, but a place where a child can grow, learn and be loved.

“Our children are like any other child. They attend church and school in our local community and are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as youth groups, sports and clubs. Thank you for being a part of our children’s lives and thank you for supporting the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Boys Ranch,” Harmon said.