By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The 2018 Chilton County Men In Pink raised $11,000 during their fundraising campaign.

Their efforts were recognized at the Pink Tie Affair Celebration dinner on Nov. 8.

“Jeff Melton, owner of Southern Dixie Auto Repair, led the group with donations over $3,600,” Carla D’Andrea, senior manager of community development for the American Cancer Society, said. “He held a gun raffle, Boston Butt sale and several other fundraisers to earn his first-place ranking. Earning the second-place recognition was Kendall Williams, a Maplesville Alfa Insurance agent. A big thank you to all of the Chilton County 2018 Men In Pink.”

The other Men in Pink were Shane Ogle of Ellison Memorial Funeral Home; Terry Hinton, human resource manager for the Chilton County Commission and Cliff Ward of Ward’s Collision Center.”

A silent auction at the event raised additional funds for the American Cancer Society.

“The silent auction raised over $600,” D’Andrea said. “A big thank you to local businesses who donated to the silent auction, including MorLyn’s, Winn-Dixie, Bucks Clothing, YMCA, Cornerstone Fitness & Wellness, Clanton Express Lube, Peach Park and Belk’s.”

The celebration dinner was attended by more than 50 people.

“Food was graciously provided by The Neighborhood Grill and served by the CCHS SGA students,” D’Andrea said. “Entertainment was provided by ‘DJ the DJ.’ He did a great job entertaining the crowd and getting people, young and old alike, up on their feet to enjoy some post-dinner dancing.”

The Chilton County Relay For Life Queens participated by recognizing cancer survivors and caretakers who were in attendance.

In addition to catering the Pink Tie Affair, The Neighborhood Grill and The People’s Pie Company hosted a fundraiser where 10 percent of profits from the night went to the Men in Pink Campaign.

“A special thank you to Jason and the crew,” D’Andrea said.