Blackbelt Benefit Group presents $5K check to DCCS Rise and Recover Selma organization

Members of Blackbelt Benefit Group and The Selma Lions Club awarded CEO and Executive Director Miah Tolbert of the Dallas County Court Services Rise and Recover organization a $5,000 check. | Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

On Monday, The Blackbelt Benefit Group presented a $5,000 check to the Dallas County Court Services Rise and Recover Selma organization from its June 7th  Rockin' Riboff and Rick Carter Songwriter Festival.

Ex-officio member and Co-founder Clay Carmichael of BBG said the organization was deserving of the proceeds from the event due to their consistent effort to serve over 200 citizens a month with recovery needs pertaining to drug and alcohol abuse.

“I just appreciate the DCCS Rise and Recover Selma organization for everything that they do for the community,” Carmichael said.  “Miah Tolbert has done a great job over there and just before the check presentation she told all in attendance, that they have been at this for 15 years.”

Carmichael said the organization has continued to grow and over time, has won national accolades and that he strongly believes the Rise and Recover program is a very good organization that they should be proud to have in Selma.

“We want to do more for them, said The Blackbelt Benefit Group. “So we have decided to benefit them again for the Alabama River Chili Cookoff 2025 on Thursday, Oct. 23.”

On the behalf of the organization, Carmichael thanked its sponsors, teams, and attendees for their continued support. He also said that the BBG organization was not the only contributor to the monetary donation, but The Selma Lions Club did as well.

“I think the Selma Lions Club donated close to $1,500 from their proceeds of being the top team at the festival including being the winning recipient of the People's Choice. With the team tips, they benefited all their proceeds to the Rise and Recover Selma organization,” Carmichael said.

CEO and Executive Director Miah Tolbert of the DCCS Rise and Recover Selma organization said that they are deeply grateful for this incredible gift and the support that it represents.

“This contribution will go directly toward strengthening our programs, helping us continue our mission of providing hope, healing, and recovery for those who need it most,” Tolbert said. “Partnerships like this remind us that we are not alone in this work. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier community. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Blackbelt Benefit Group for believing in and uplifting the people we serve.”

The Blackbelt Benefit Group said if there are any community partners who would like to join them by sponsoring a team at the upcoming chili cookoff in October that they can email: info @bbgal.org.