The Chilton County Dragway in Maplesville will host the First Annual “Race for the Dogs” event to raise awareness and money to support animal welfare in Chilton County.

All proceeds and donations from the event will go to Give a Dog a Bone Rescue, which is a non-profit organization that was founded in October 2012 by James Lanier.

According to Lanier, he receives about 15 to 20 emails each day of strays that were found and looking for homes within the surrounding area.

“We’re a small community of people, and we’re just doing the best that we know how to help with the situation,” Lanier said.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 25 and will feature drag racing, street racing, a car show, swap meet and vendors.

Admission is $5 with kids 12 and under allowed into the event for free.

Concessions will be open throughout the event selling hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos and various other options.

Lanier is a disabled veteran and has a racing background, so when considering a possible avenue to create awareness, the Chilton County Dragway seemed the perfect fit.

“I know how the motorcycle and racing communities can gather a lot of people for their events,” Lanier said. “We’re looking to promote both animal welfare and racing in the county.”

Frank Cooper with One-of-a-Kind Customs helped Lanier devise the idea for the event.

“The need is real,” Cooper said. “There is an abundance of animals out there that are in need of medical help and unable to get it.”

Dogs in need of help will be represented by certain cars; with the winner’s funds going toward helping that dog get the care that it deserves.

“We have plans to build another shelter in the county to assist the Humane Society, as well as several other projects,” Lanier said. “It’s just going to take some time.”

Lanier hopes that events such as the one scheduled at the Chilton County Dragway will help to achieve the organization’s goals.

Currently, Give a Dog a Bone Rescue is using a foster home method, which means that dogs are kept at houses spread out across the county until the shelter provides a central location.

Lanier is already planning a Halloween event that the rescue will be partnered with.

For more information about the event and the cause, visit www.GDBR.org or send an email to gdbrescue@gmail.com.

“No dog is too big or too small,” Cooper said. “We’re trying to hit all aspects with this event. It’s a win-win situation for everybody.”