Tatum Northington

Elmore/Autauga News

Saturday, October 15, the Prattville YMCA along with Gipson’s Tires and Promise Physical Therapy, hosted the 9th Annual Great Grits Cookoff. Over 40 groups participated in the cookoff. The event also boasted the 5K Nitty Gritty Run as well as music entertainment, blow up slides for the kiddos, and so much more. It was a great day of fun, fellowship, and community service and the Y is already gearing up to make next year’s event even bigger and better!

This event began in 2013 when Hootie and Bob Gipson of Gipson’s Tires approached the YMCA about doing something to help benefit the “Coach a Child” Scholarship Program. They have been the “Presenting Sponsor” each year and according to YMCA CEO/General Director David Lewis “Great Grits has grown to become an incredible event in our community that everyone looks forward to.”

The Nitty Gritty 5K was added in 2014 and Eddie Grice and Promise Physical Therapy have been the lead sponsor each year for the run. Lewis said “This event is important to the YMCA for several reasons. This is a great way to bring everyone in the community together to enjoy great food and fellowship that supports a great cause. The Great Grits Cookoff is one of the key events that helps raise money for the Coach a Child Scholarship Fund.”

The Coach a Child Program is a vital part of the Prattville YMCA and it allows any child, family, or senior adult to participate in Y Programs, regardless of the ability to pay. Children are able to attend day care, after school care, participate in sports activities, and many more programs that the Y offers the community. Lewis explained “Through Coach a Child, we are able to offer almost $200,000 in scholarships each year as well as provide programs at a reasonable cost to the community.”

Winners of the Great Grits Cookoff:

Grand Champion and Winner of the Gipson Tire Pros Golden Grits Bowl – Trinity United Methodist Church

Overall Winners

Church/Non Profit Division:

1st Place – River Region United Way

2nd Place – Journey Church

Business/Restaurant Division:

1st Place – MAX Credit Union

2nd Place – Amerifirst Bank

Booth Presentation Award

Church/Non Profit Division:

1st Place – Journey Church