ATHENS-Brittany Howard, lead singer of the Athens-based Grammy-award winning Alabama Shakes, dropped by Hospice of Limestone County today and dropped off a personal donation.
Each year, Howard supports the annual Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge, which will be this weekend. Alabama Shakes have donated autographed items in the past. Today, Howard gave event Co-Chair Lacy Beth McMunn a personal monetary donation.
Joining Howard was her grandmother, Helen West, who went to work at Hospice in 2003. West’s involvement with Hospice of Limestone County developed from the support she received during the illness and death of her granddaughter Jamie Howard, Brittany’s sister. Jamie developed a brain tumor, lost her sight and died in 1998 as a teenager.
“This is the only fundraiser for Hospice of Limestone County, and it is encouraging for organizers to see the community support from citizens, businesses, other agencies and our hometown success stories like Brittany Howard and Alabama Shakes and Anderson East,” said Chili Challenge Publicity Chair Holly Hollman.
Musician Anderson East of Athens has donated an autographed T-shirt and CD for the silent auction.
This is the 29th year for the Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge. The event will be Saturday, Feb. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Athens High School’s gym. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door. The ticket price includes tasting each chili and voting in the People’s Choice category, lunch, entertainment and the ability to bid on silent auction items.