By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL/ Staff Writer

A fifth annual Gospel music singing that benefitted Chilton County’s Disabled American Veterans Chapter 33 on Aug. 18 and 19 was an “outstanding” success.

“We had an outstanding time at the singing. Everybody was warmed and grateful that we had it,” Commander Barbara White of Chapter 33 said. “Numerous veterans that attended with their spouses and all — they just had an outstanding time.”

White said both Friday and Saturday performances delivered a strong turnout.

“They could’ve had it Sunday night (additionally), and I think it would’ve had a lot of people there, too,” she said.

White said veterans of WWII, Vietnam and Korea wars were present.

“We had people taking pictures and stuff, and they were proud and very happy to assist the veterans and all,” White said.

Sponsored by Heaven Strings Bluegrass Gospel, the singing was held in the Jemison City Hall auditorium and featured performances from Heaven Strings, Holy Destiny, Mike Lowry Trio and For His Glory, singer John Smith of Heaven Strings said.

Smith said Heaven Strings sponsors a singing each year to benefit disabled veterans from Chapter 33. Last year’s event was called Jemison Weekend, and it was a larger event held in the park.

Smith said, “We also go out to do some benefit singings for other things, but we chose disabled veterans to do this once a year to help them.”

“They did a lot of sacrificing for us, and we could sacrifice a few dollars to help them,” he said.

White said the benefit reached its financial goal.

“As a matter of fact, we were [in awe] that we raised so much,” White said.

She said the two-night singing raised a total of $3,017.10.

Since admission was free, all funds raised were donated.

White said she informed Mayor Eddie Reed that a budget is underway to best distribute the money to the needs of Chapter 33.