For Paul Butler, a lunch meeting at Collier’s on Main in Brundidge August 30 is “a call to arms.”

For several years, Butler has been concerned about the future of his “hometown” and has been seeking ways to bring the small, rural town back to the days of his memories.

The lunch meeting on August 30 is, perhaps, his last-ditch effort to pump new life into the town of 2,000. Butler is not saying it is, but it’s in the sound of his voice.

“For Brundidge to re-energize and grow, it’s going to take a grassroots effort,” said the Montgomery architect. “No one else is going to do it for us. We have to do it ourselves.”

And Butler’s belief is that there are many who will be willing to help carry the torch once it is lit.

“Right now, we need those who are willing to light the torch. On August 30, those who want to see Brundidge grow and prosper, are invited to join us for lunch and hear the presentation that is designed to jumpstart the growth and encourage business and residential growth,” Butler said.

Karen Ellis Carter will join Butler in unveiling a plan to re-energize and grow Brundidge.

Ellis was valedictorian of the PCHS Class of 1970 and is a member of the Troy University Board of Trustees. Her leadership and passion for Brundidge will be paramount in the grassroots efforts to bring new life and energy to Brundidge, Butler said.

The meeting will focus on ways to get the public to support innovative ideas and encourage elected officials to get behind the projects.

One idea that will be brought before the group is a Brundidge Sports Wall of Fame that would include the names of athletes of note from the Brundidge area and Pike County High School.

“This is a starting place,” Butler said. “When we build the wall, that will let people know that something is being done — that ideas can bear fruit. It might be a small thing but it will be upward movement. It is a beginning.”

Butler said Chuck Caraway has graciously agreed to open his restaurant, Collier’s on Main, for the August 30 meeting and anyone and everyone who has an interest in Brundidge is invited.

The lunch will be a la carte and the discussion will be on the vision for and future of Brundidge. The meeting will be from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 30, at Collier’s on Main in downtown Brundidge.

“If we put our heads and hearts together, we will be amazed at what can be accomplished,” Butler said. “My personal feeling is that I owe Brundidge so much and I know many others feel the same way. It’s time for us to start giving back.”