DAPHNE, Ala. — Former University of Alabama head football coach Gene Stallings will speak at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 at Daphne United Methodist Church’s Community Life Center Building.

The occasion is the premiere of the Restored Life event for Saving Grace Home for Women, a Christian alcohol and drug recovery program based in Robertsdale.

Executive Director Kristin Webb said the event was special not only for being a first for the facility, but for conveying its message of promise, hope and recovery through an interactive, community-enriching event.

“It’s always very exciting to let people know what we are doing at Saving Grace to help women in need. But we don’t get a chance to engage as wide an audience as we can when someone like coach Stallings gets involved,” Webb said.

Stallings is known for his leadership on the football field from college to the pros, culminating in leading the Crimson Tide to the 1992 National Championship.

But many will also remember him as a man who, at the pinnacle of his career, put his family first. Particularly the health of his son John Mark Stallings, also known as Johnny, whose medical conditions were exacerbated by the spotlight and the hot seat of his dad coaching at the Division I level.

Born in Tuscaloosa in 1962 while his dad was a member of Paul Bear Bryant’s original coaching staff, Johnny was diagnosed with a serious heart condition and Down syndrome at birth. Stallings co-wrote the book “Another Season: A Coach’s Story of Raising an Exceptional Son,” with AP journalist Sally Cook, about his love for his son who was a dedicated, longtime fan of the Crimson Tide and his dad.

John Mark died on Aug. 2, 2008 in Paris, Texas.

Two facilities at the University of Alabama have been named for John Mark Stallings, the Stallings Center that serves as home to the RISE Center for young children with disabilities and the equipment room in the University of Alabama football building.

“He certainly knows about obstacles and tough, life-changing decisions with his son battling illness,” Webb said of Gene Stallings. “From being an excellent parent to an excellent coach, he has the ability to encourage people to be strong, rely on themselves. But also to accept help when they need it.”

Webb said that clients and graduates of the home’s programs will speak at the event and share their experiences with the audience. From the athletic arena to celebrities to the average family, addiction touches one-in-four American families, Webb said.

“Almost all of us know someone affected by some of these problems,” she added. “We hope coach Stallings coming to speak will help us get the word out about our message of hope and sharing and help make others in the community aware that we’re here. It’s also a good way of getting new people involved in a good cause and it lets others know what we’re about.

“We plan to make it an annual event.”

Webb said that tickets, $50 per person, to the event are limited. Stallings will be available for photos with early arrivals. A silent auction including special sports memorabilia will also be available with all proceeds benefiting the home and its clients.

Daphne UMC is at 2401 Main St. on the corner of Main and Santa Rosa Avenue near Daphne Elementary School.

Saving Grace Home for Women Inc., formerly Home of Grace for Women of Baldwin County, is a non-profit Christian alcohol and drug recovery program for women.

More information on the Saving Grace Home for Women is at www.savinggracehome.org or call 251-946-3355.

Tickets can be picked up at the door if purchased online.