By DALE JONES

Staff Writer

djones@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

ORANGE BEACH, Ala., — Chantell Cooley, Executive Vice President of Admissions/Development for Columbia Southern University was on hand at a recent Orange Beach council meeting to present the Parks and Recreation department with a check for $5,000.

“My dad was always a huge supporter and I decided when he passed away that I would continue this,” Cooley said. “We are glad to be part of Orange Beach and to be able to provide jobs here. We are just happy to be part of the community.”

Danny Martin, parks superintendent for the City of Orange Beach said this was just an example of how local businesses are supportive and give back to the community.

“Her family has always been supportive of everything that we do and we are happy to have them here,” said Martin.

In addition, Brian Harsany, owner of Cobalt’s Restaurant in Orange Beach presented the Parks and Recreation Department with two checks for $2,500 each.

“Last year I sponsored soccer but this year someone beat me to it,” Harsany joked. “So I have two checks, each for $2,500 to go toward building a shade pavilion in between the softball and baseball fields at the SportsPlex, for all of the families and groups that are out here when we are hosting tournaments.”

“Every year we have businesses like these that are supportive, not only of the children’s youth activities and sports, but of other things as well,” Martin said.