By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

ALABASTER—Join Alabaster-based nonprofit organization, Aaron’s Staff, for the Third Annual Gala fundraiser on Nov. 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Family Life Center of the First Baptist Church of Alabaster.

Admittance to the event is free and the evening will include a silent auction, dinner and presentations from guest speakers Dustin Chandler, a Pelham Police officer, and Robert Montgomery.

Best known as Carly’s dad, Chandler will talk about his involvement as the driving force behind the recent passage of Carly’s Law, a bill calling for the UAB study of cannabidiol in the treatment of severe seizure disorders, and about his new project, Carly’s Clubhouse, an all-inclusive playground, Nick Kopp, chairman of the board of Aaron’s Staff, said.

Montgomery is a motivational speaker and founder of Waging War on Normal, which encourages people to embrace their unique gifts and abilities.

The annual gala is the main fundraiser for Aaron’s Staff. The non-profit ministry offers evening respite care for special needs children and their siblings, giving parents and guardians a night off, Kopp explained, citing the 89 percent divorce rate among couples with special needs children.

“(We) give them a break so they can focus on their marriage,” Kopp said.

Each month, the organization provides care, entertainment and food for special needs children and their siblings, including music, story time, arts and crafts and magicians.

“(We bring in) all kinds of things to entertain the kids through the night,” Kopp said.

Aaron’s Staff is currently 100-percent volunteer run, and proceeds from the Nov. 1 gala will go directly toward “the cost of running” the program, Kopp said.

“We’re very grassroots and we’re all about meeting the needs of these families,” Kopp said.

The organization is also looking to expand. Aaron’s Staff recently paired with Best Buddies, a student volunteer group at the University of Montevallo, to offer a second night of respite care each month in Montevallo, and Kopp said the organization is hoping to expand service to the Huffman, Roebuck and Pinson area.

“We want to go to where the need is,” Kopp said. “We’re willing to go anywhere.”

For more information about Aaron’s Staff and to register for the Third Annual Gala on Nov. 1, visit Aaronsstaffrespite.org.