The 75th Anniversary of the dedication of the Rock Building Sunday afternoon is more about generating interest than money.

Those who attend will have an opportunity to “Save a Rock” with a $10 donation toward the restoration of the historic rock structure. However, generating interest is the primary reason for the event, David Helms told Brundidge Rotarians on Wednesday.

Helms, who with his wife, Sherry, is spearheading the efforts to “Save the Rock Building,” was the program guest of the Brundidge Rotarians. He took the opportunity to discuss the grassroots efforts to save the Rock Building and to invite the Rotarians to be a part of something “so important.”

Helms said the efforts to “Save the Rock Building” started when 40-plus interested citizens got together for the common purpose.

“The Rock Building is owned by the Pike County Commission and the commissioners wanted to gauge the interest in saving the Rock Building,” Helms said. “We know that the interest is there and we know that it’s going to happen. We are going to save the Rock Building because, if we don’t do it now, Lord help us, it will be condemned and torn down. This is our last shot.”

Helms said the 75th Anniversary celebration of the dedication of the historic building will kickoff the fundraising efforts in a symbolic way.

“We know that we can’t raise enough money through donations to restore the Rock Building,” he said. “But, each person who ‘saves a rock’ will show their interest in and support of the efforts to ‘Save the Rock Building.’”

Helms said in July 1939, more than 3,000 people attended the “gala opening” of the Pike County Activities Building, commonly called the Rock Building.

“We hope to have 300 people to ‘save a rock,’ and at $10 each, that would be $3,000 and symbolic of the 3,000 people who attended,” he said.

A special account has been set up for donations to the Rock Building Fund. Helms said other fundraisers will be planned and grants and other special funding will be sought.

“Before we can get a firm estimate on the cost of restoring the building, we will have to determine a purpose for the building,” he said. “We are looking for ways the building could best serve the people of Pike County.”

The dedication of the Pike County Activities Building was July 12, 1939. The 75th anniversary celebration will be from 2 until 4 p.m. Sunday. The street in front of the Rock Building will be blocked off and tents will be set up. The Benton Brothers will provide the entertainment and refreshments will be served.

A short program, including the reading of a proclamation by the county’s governing officials, will be at 3 p.m. Everyone is invited to be a part of this special event.