FOLEY — Hundreds gathered Tuesday at Foley's Heritage Park for a celebration of what would have been Charlie Kirk's 32nd birthday had he not been assassinated on a Utah college campus last month.
American Legacy Co. and Beach Dog Events hosted the celebration, emceed by Foley Councilman-elect Tim Lower.
"When you see your community coming together like this, people of all ages and all types of people, that tells you that no matter where you are, God can use you," said American Legacy Co. owner Nikki Rye. "This is our wonderful community. We are very blessed."
Featured speakers included local military veteran Roy Dobbs, Gulf Shores Turning Point U.S.A. Chapter sponsor Coach Austin Boyd and students from Gulf Shores High School. American Legacy Co. presented the chapter with a $7,500 check. The funds were raised by the store's Freedom Line.
Organizers also raised $1,200 in a 50/50 raffle. The local Turning Point chapter received half of the funds, and the winner of the drawing received the other half. Rye said the winner donated back to the Turning Point chapter.
Chad Niblett, representing U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), spoke, encouraging young people to get involved in politics and to make a difference.
"Eternal life is within reach for every person in this crowd," Niblett said. "Give your life to God. Follow Him. We may be surprised at what we can accomplish."
Central Community Church pastor Andrew Mullek told the crowd that it is time to care about children enough to speak the truth and to protect them from indoctrination.
"They don't need their own kids; they'll steal yours," Mullek said of the left's rhetoric in public schools and universities.
Mullek closed with a prayer asking for boldness for the next generation.
The event was live-streamed on Facebook.
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