Sunday, April 28, 2024

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’70s DHS/DA Reunion makes donations to area organizations

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Graduates of Demopolis High School and Demopolis Academy from the 1970s held a reunion last Oct. 31-Nov. 1, but the group did more than just get together and reminisce.

Phillip Spence and Barbara Turner of the 70s Reunion with Byrd Rish of the Food Pantry
Phillip Spence and Barbara Turner of the 70s Reunion with Byrd Rish of the Food Pantry

Approximately 185 people attended the two-night event, according to organizer Phillip Spence, and proceeds from the event were donated recently to various community organizations. Below is a letter Spence sent to his former schoolmates and reunion participants:

Hello ’70s classmates and friends,

Spence and Turner with Virginia Overstreet of the Big Bee Humane Society
Spence and Turner with Virginia Overstreet of the Big Bee Humane Society

I have some exciting news to share with all of you tonight. As you know we voted at the last meeting before the reunion, in Oct. of 2014, that once all our bills and expenses were paid to donate any remaining funds to a local charity in the name of the ’70s DHS/DA Reunion.

I say that with a smile on my face because at that time it appeared we might have a few hundred dollars left over and that was dependent on no other unknown or unforeseen expenses arising. It was at this time that you guys caught the reunion bug and the funds started rolling in. We have now paid all our bills and are proud to announce that we had in excess of $2,700 left in our account.

Last week we had a finance committee and chairpersons meeting and after ruling out taking a trip to Vegas we made a motion and voted to donate the remaining funds to four local organizations that contribute greatly to the City of Demopolis.  They are the Demopolis Food Pantry, the Big Bee Humane Society, the Demopolis City Schools Foundation and The Canebrake Players.

Spence and Turner with Amanda Barnes of the Demopolis City Schools Foundation.
Spence and Turner with Amanda Barnes of the Demopolis City Schools Foundation.

You can all take pride in helping sponsor these organizations. They are all important in that they help provide food for the hungry, educational opportunities for our children, help feed and shelter God’s creatures from the animal kingdom and bring entertainment, laughter and enjoyment to the entire West Alabama community.

Spence with Susanna Naisbett, Jennifer Roemen and Laurie Willingham of the Canebrake Players.
Spence with Susanna Naisbett, Jennifer Roemen and Laurie Willingham of the Canebrake Players.

You guys and gals are the greatest and it has been a great honor to work with and reconnect with so many of you through our reunion. I assure you we spent much time and discussed in detail how to best represent you all and I hope you share in our excitement the joy of being able to give back to our wonderful city.

Much love and God Bless all of you.

Sincerely Your Friend,
Phillip Spence