By GINNY COOPER MCCARLEY / Special to the Reporter

HELENA – Helena residents showed up in great numbers to show their support for Billy Hinds, a lifetime Helena resident who recently suffered a debilitating stroke.

Nearly 500 people chowed down on catfish and chicken in honor of the Hinds family at a recent benefit dinner hosted on Hinds’ behalf.

Hinds is former Helena police officer who served 25 years during a time when there was just a single officer on the force, and is well-known throughout the community.

“(The dinner) was very successful. We were so thankful for the people of Helena for showing up,” Hinds sister, Sue Acton said, noting that people from surrounding cities such as Columbiana and Calera attended the event as well.

The benefit dinner took place Tuesday, July 14, at the Helena Sports Complex, where those in attendance enjoyed an all you can eat catfish and chicken dinner, complete with all the typical fixings. Take out meals were available for purchase as well.

“It was just an awesome turnout,” Acton said. “It really touched the hearts of the family.”

Many who were not able to attend the event sent donations, and all proceeds from the dinner went to support Hinds as he recovers from a major stroke, which affected both his speech and reasoning.

“Day-to-day we look for something encouraging and we live for that,” Acton said, noting Hinds’ condition remains much the same.