Saturday’s in the fall are usually all about football, but this past weekend Troy citizens took time out of their afternoon to give back to the community.

Two separate benefit events were held on Saturday, one for a local organization and the other for a member of the area sports scene.

Dee Hughes, a teacher and coach at Goshen High School, is battling breast cancer for a second time. Ryan and Kelly Nelson, family friends of Hughes, spearheaded an effort to raise money for Hughes’ expenses by having a cookout at Miss Colleen’s.

Hughes and her family were able to attend the event and enjoyed being back among friends.

“After being in New York, there is nothing like being home in Alabama,” said Hughes. “The hospitality and togetherness is unmatched.”

Hughes said during her first bout with cancer her Goshen softball team had a fundraiser, but nothing on the scale of what the Nelsons were able to put together.

More than a dozen business donated raffle items, and two local groups donated time to help prepare the home cooked meals.

“Kelly kept telling me ‘You have no idea how many have contacted me,’” said Hughes. “The guys from Delta Chi and the Fraternal Order of Police have been a huge help to everyone.”

Hughes was able to also enjoy something that is near and dear to her heart: coaching.

Saturday morning the Charles Henderson Trojans squared off with Goshen in a volleyball match in the Lady Trojan Tournament.  Hughes is a firm believer that the Troy area should support all local teams.

“I was able to watch Goshen and Charles Henderson play this morning, and we had a girl go down,” said Hughes. “Coach (Debbie) Smartt came right over and taped her ankle up. We want all of our girls to be successful whether they are from Troy, Goshen or Brundidge.”

Across town at the Troy Parks and Recreation Center, the Pike Regional Child Advocacy Center partnered with Sikorsky to hold a motorcycle rally and car show, with proceeds benefitting the center.
Though numbers were down, CAC Executive Director Camille Downing said the event was a success.

“We had about 15 bikes participate,” said Downing. “There were about 80 last year, but every little bit helps and we have already had people calling and planning for next year’s event.”

With funding being limited more and more, Downing said that the CAC is planning a few other events for the month of October.

“We are really excited about the red carpet ball and Kappa Delta is having an event on campus soon,” said Downing.

The red carpet ball will be held October 13 in the Trojan Center ball rooms located on the Troy University campus. The event will be semi-formal dress and adults only.
Entertainment will be provided by Johnny Barron, and dinner, desert and drinks will be served.

“Everyone that has contacted me is asking about the dress,” said Downing. “If you want to wear a gown or tux, go ahead. It is an opportunity to dress up and have a good time.”