BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
WARFIELD — Ricky Alley, founder and coordinator of the AlleyWay Benefits Gospel Sing & Car Show, could not have been happier with how Saturday’s activities turned out. He and a group of dedicated volunteers were blessed with beautiful weather, talented singers, delicious food and attendees who believed in his cause.
Alley started the annual event in 2012.
“At every turn I could see families struggling, in need of food and financial assistance,” Alley said. “I was once there myself, and the saying, ‘unless you’ve walked a mile in someone’s shoes, you’ll never understand their situation,’ is indeed the truth. I know exactly what it’s like, and I have made a commitment to help those in need as long as I am blessed to be able to.”
Each year on the third Saturday of August, Alley and his volunteers host the day-long event at Warfield Park. Talented gospel singers from Kentucky and West Virginia donate their time to be a part of the benefit.
This year, Alley added a car show. Tivis and Myrtle Alley won first place for their 1957 Chevy, while Darrell Newsome took second place for his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro.
Local businesses donated numerous items that were auctioned off during the benefit.
Raffle tickets for three items yielded over $700 in ticket sales. The winner of the 36-inch Blackstone Grill was Michael Alley. Faye Walters won the charcoal grill, while Jack Dove was the lucky winner of a Lasko window fan.
Door prizes were also awarded throughout the day to attendees.
Evangelist Carson Gray, who hails from Pineville, West Virginia, brought the message Saturday evening as he has for the last five years.
“My friendship with Rick is one I treasure, and I will always help him any way I can,” Gray said. “But the reason I come for this particular benefit is because I see the need; I know it’s real. What Rick does helps with those needs. He answered the calling and stepped up.”
Alley thanked God for the opportunity to hold this year’s event. He thanked all who attended, donated, sang, preached, prepared food, manned concessions, set up and cleaned up, and supported the cause.
Alley said he would take a few days to rest up and then begin raising funds for the Alleyway Children’s Christmas event. To help the cause or for more information, contact Alley at 681-735-3020.
