Press Releases

Home Run for Hope Knocks It Out of the Park for Not Alone and Kids Across Marshall County

On Wednesday, July 9, under the lights at Sand Mountain Park’s beautiful National Complex Championship Field, the Marshall County community turned out in full force for Home Run for Hope, a charity softball showdown benefiting Not Alone, a local nonprofit supporting children, foster families, and social workers navigating the foster care system.

The event kicked off with a thrilling home run derby, where Shannon Cahill of the Catfish Cowboys smashed six home runs in just ten swings to take home the title. The momentum continued with a highly anticipated faceoff between the Catfish Cowboys (North Marshall County) and the Hillbilly Bucks (South Marshall County), featuring an all-star lineup of community leaders – from business owners and athletic directors to coaches, attorneys, mayors, first responders, and more.

While the Bucks clinched the win on the scoreboard, the real victory was in the cause. Over $28,000 was raised to support Not Alone’s programs that aim to reduce the toll on kids with family and support issues that drive them toward the foster care system.

“We’re proud to support Not Alone’s mission and thankful for every sponsor, volunteer, and attendee who made this night unforgettable,” said Charlie Williams, CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust. “At Citizens Bank & Trust, we believe in doing the right thing, in and for the communities we serve – and that includes stepping up for the most vulnerable.   

In addition to the competition on the field, the night offered walk-up songs, games between innings, nostalgic ballpark concessions, and energizing play-by-play commentary by Joy Webb and John Gladden, creating a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere that had fans cheering from start to finish.

The event was organized by the Marketing Team at Citizens Bank & Trust. “Home Run for Hope was a labor of love that exceeded our expectations,” said Kasey Culbert, Marketing Officer. “Seeing the community unite in this way –  laughing, cheering, and giving – was a powerful reminder that when we show up together, we can make a lasting difference.”

We would like to especially thank the 32 generous sponsors whose generosity made this event possible. Additionally, the host of volunteers, including Citizens Bank & Trust employees and Not Alone board members whose time, passion, and energy made this event the success it was. 

Jonathan Johnson, Executive Director of Not Alone, praised the turnout and what it means for the mission:

“It is remarkable to see a county come together for our most vulnerable children navigating the world of foster care,” he said. “As a community, we can let these children know early on we’ve got their backs on a hard day... A special thanks to Citizens Bank & Trust Foundation, Sand Mountain Park, all sponsors, players, coaches, volunteers, and attendees for making Home Run for Hope a huge success in helping us change the way foster care begins.”

About Not Alone

Not Alone is a community-powered organization dedicated to providing support for children, foster families, and social workers navigating the foster care system in Marshall County, Alabama. Through volunteer-driven programs and donations, the organization works to reduce trauma for children entering foster care by providing comfort and essential items; empower foster families with resources and support; and equip social workers with tools to better serve the children in their care. Fueled by the belief that no one should navigate the foster care system alone, Not Alone exists to foster love, hope, and practical support – one child, one family, and one community at a time.

About Citizens Bank & Trust

Citizens Bank & Trust was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Guntersville, Alabama. It is the largest community bank based in Marshall County and has full-service offices in Albertville, Arab, Cullman, Elkmont, Guntersville, Hazel Green, New Hope, Rogersville, and Scottsboro, plus a Decatur Loan Production Office, a wealth management division, and a mortgage division. Citizens Bank & Trust is insured by the FDIC and is an equal housing lender.