By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Editor

PELHAM — The Shelby County University of Alabama Alumni Chapter used few “friends” to help out a good cause on July 18.

The chapter hosted the “Bama Bash,” at Heart of Dixie Harley Davidson in Pelham. The “Bash” is an annual fundraising event that involved food, fun and notable former Crimson Tide players speaking to a crowd.

“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year,” president of the Shelby County chapter Lori Stamper said. “We’re very excited.”

Stamper said the Alumni Chapter used all proceeds from the event to fund four scholarships to high school seniors in Shelby County that plan to attend the University of Alabama.

The headline speaker for this year was 2009 national championship-winning quarterback Greg McElroy, who addressed the audience in panel-style about the upcoming season, as well as some lighthearted takes on his career.

“I know there’s a pretty slim chance, maybe one in five, that Alabama doesn’t win a national championship every year until the rest of my lifetime,” McElroy said, joking with the crowd.

McElroy joined the new Southeastern Conference Network as analyst after retiring from the NFL in April. After being introduced, McElroy took time to poke fun at his short time in pro ball, which included a three-year career with the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals.

“I do apologize for the prize,” he said, jokingly, in reference to his rookie trading card, which was given away in a raffle. “Those of you who are disappointed that you did not win the prize…if you look on eBay, I think the most expensive one is about seven cents right now. In case you’re interested, my granddad’s actually driving the price up because he keeps (placing) bids.”

In addition to McElroy, former Alabama players included Darwin Holt, Kevin Lee, Jeremiah Castille and Mike Pitts, as well as former Pelham Panther Tyler Watts.

The event also featured vendors such as Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, the Beveled Edge and the Paul W. Bryant Museum.

Stamper said the Alumni Chapter was appreciative for the crowd helping them in assisting students get a chance to further their education.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have support,” she said. “(Everyone) recognizes the importance of young people who want to go to the University.”