Tuscaloosa Traffic Reporter Hosting “Help Holt Heal” Benefit Fundraiser Sunday

Tuscaloosa's "Cap" Ray Allen is hosting the first of several benefit fundraisers Sunday that will be used to restore a Tuscaloosa County community.

The Help Holt Heal benefit will take place Sunday afternoon at the Downtown Social from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. and will feature raffles, a silent auction, activities for children, live music and an appearance from Big Al.

Allen, who is the traffic reporter with Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, founded "Help Holt Heal," a nonprofit that has a mission to clean and restore the Holt community, which is located in unincorporated Tuscaloosa County.

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Allen said he established the nonprofit to address issues in the Holt community that he said were neglected by county officials for many years.

Allen said the funds raised will be used to clean trash and debris, purchase and restore properties to bring affordable housing for families in need and bring back recreation and athletic facilities to the community.

Through the support of local leaders and businesses in the county, Allen said he was able to solicit items that will be auctioned off, including gift certificates to area restaurants and businesses and tickets to events.

"The outpour of support has been overwhelming," Allen said. "I haven't had anyone who I've called for donations turn me down. I was able to have 60 donors who gave anything from tickets to races at the Talladega Superspeedway, as well as gift cards to some of the best restaurants and businesses in the area."

Tickets for the benefit are $20 in advance and $25 at the door on the day of the event. Children 12 and under are free. Food, drinks and door prizes will be provided with the purchase of a ticket.

Allen said this event will be followed by several planned fundraisers that are scheduled for the year, including a community car wash and Christmas event among other events.

Allen said he hopes his efforts will spark others to take action not only in Holt, but other communities that are facing similar issues.

"There are a lot of other communities like Holt," Allen said. "I encourage people to get out and clean up the community. I'm trying to help people learn how to do this."

To purchase tickets, click here, or to donate to Help Holt Heal's cause, visit the organization's GoFundMe.

Stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread for updates on future community fundraisers, as well as other events happening in and around the Druid City.

Author's Note: Ray Allen is the traffic reporter for Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, the parent company of Tuscaloosa Thread.