Editor:

This is to thank all those who helped make last weekend’s Beach Benefit Concert for the Fairhope Veterans Memorial a success. Those who attended will all agree it was truly a “good time was had by all.” The music was superb, the setting was inspirational, the food was outstanding, and the weather was perfect.

I especially thank our world-class bands who entertained us so lavishly. Roman Street more than lived up to my expectations and Luther Wilson Jr. & the Midnight Howlers just knocked my socks off. I am impressed with the quality of music we enjoy here in South Alabama.

In the long list of people to thank, I must start with the American Legion Post 199 The Legion Sons and Auxiliary, who hosted this important event. I have special kudos for Jim Jeffries and John Henderson, whose long hours and days to prepare and conduct the affair resulted in an overwhelming success. Carole and Dick Schneider, Betsy and Bob Sim, Clarence Bishop, Larry Hipsh, Russel Poston, Matt Castellano, Randy and Angel Greene, Mo Caine, Jack Arnold, Mary Chmielewski, Tommy Nichols, Bennet Coleman, Kitty Crumpton, Amy Jeffries, Don Oliver, Hank Guy and Charlie Baumhauer also donated hard work.

The members of the Memorial Committee also contributed long hours and hard work to make the day so special. Lea Vernuille and Cindy Saxon were a flurry of activity, as were Sheila and John Propp and Sissy Scott. And the Silent Auction was a big draw thanks to the hard work of Steve and Linda Baker.

The 1165th Military Police Co. kept the parking smoothly orchestrated in spite of the potential headache due to limited space with a large crowd.

Lori DuBose, our emcee, once again proved what a valuable asset she is to the Eastern Shore.

I also want to thank Pat Greenwood at WPMI and John Nodar at WKRG for the advance television coverage to promote the event. John Nodar dispelled a long time belief when I saw him go to the front door of the studio to look outside to see what the weather was at the time. He really does look for himself!

I also appreciate the following businesses for helping with the advance sale of tickets for the benefit: VFW Post 5660, Fairhope Elks Lodge, Dr. Music, Jubilee Music, Picker’s Paradise, Fairhope Courier, Single Tax Corp., The Haven, Page and Palette, Olde Tyme Feed and Garden Supply and Buster’s Restaurant in Atmore.

And , of course, we owe special thanks to the following who donated wonderful items for our Silent Auction: Grand Hotel, Hampton Inn, Original Oyster House, Quail Creek Golf Course, Precision Tune, B&B Pecan, Roussos, The Fairhope Inn, Market By the Bay, the Wash House, Mateers, Pappa’s Pizza (Daphne), Baron’s Inn on the Bay, Gulf Coast Newspapers, Fairhope Hardware, Homestead Village, Shrimp Shack, Guido’s and Vinny’s, Randy’s Bar and Grill, Terri Somme, Mosley’s Meats and Mayor Tim Kant.

I personally thank the people of South Alabama who are continuing to support this beautiful memorial that will honor all veterans from all wars, and their families. We need your continued support to raise the necessary funding to make this tribute a reality. THANK YOU!

co-chairman

Fairhope Veterans Memorial

Committee