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Heavens Strings Bluegrass Gospel and the city of Jemison are partnering to bring the sixth annual gospel singing benefit for Chilton County’s disabled veterans to Jemison Municipal Complex auditorium on Aug. 3 and 4.

“I wish everybody would come out and help us raise money to help those folks because they put their lives on the line for us so that we could have our freedom,” John R. Smith of Heavens Strings Bluegrass Gospel said.

The Friday singing on Aug. 3 will begin at 7 p.m. and feature the musical talents of Heavens Strings Bluegrass Gospel, Ray and Rhonda Headley and Canaanland.

The Saturday singing on Aug. 4 will begin at 6 p.m. and feature once more the talents of Heavens Strings Bluegrass Gospel, along with All For Him and Holy Destiny.

The event is free, and all proceeds from a love offering will benefit Disabled American Veterans Chapter 33 in Clanton, according to Smith.

“If each church would just give $25, just think how much money that would be to go to them,” Smith said. “I wish that would happen.”

Last year’s event received a large turnout, including attendance by veterans of World War II, Vietnam and Korean wars.

Chilton County is home to an estimated 3,086 veterans, according to 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates.

A whopping $3,017.10 was raised to support many of these veterans in 2017, to the delight of Commander Barbara White of DAV Chapter 33.

After the event, White described the patriotism-packed weekend as an “outstanding” success.

Smith said an even earlier year’s event produced around $6,000.

For this year, Smith said, “We would like to get a whole lot (of money) for them.”

The community is invited to enjoy for the sixth time two evenings of family fun, music, faith and patriotism as local heroes are honored for their service.

On behalf of Heavens Strings Bluegrass Gospel, Smith thanks the city of Jemison for opening its auditorium for the singing.