Calvary Baptist donates through Hitzen Fund to Tuscaloosa City Schools

Calvary Baptist Church representatives told the Tuscaloosa City Schools Board of Education on Oct. 21 that the church made a donation through the Hitzen Fund to support students in the district.

The donation was described during the board’s consent/recognition item when the chair read that the district had “received donation from the Hitzen Fund from Calvary Baptist Church, Doctor Amanda Cassidy and Doctor Dan Strickland.” The donors and board members discussed the fund’s history and purpose.

Doctor Amanda Cassidy, who identified herself as a retired educator and said she now works part time with the State Department of Education, described the fund’s origin as tied to her parents’ work in local schools and said the fund supports children in need. Doctor Dan Strickland of Calvary Baptist said, “we are honored to continue that legacy” and expressed the church’s intention to “come alongside the school board and any of your schools, and serve you in any capacity.”

Board materials read into the record said the Archie and Brownie Hidson Education United Appeal Fund (the packet text used that name) has benefited children in the Tuscaloosa City and County school systems since 02/2012 and has funded college tours, uniforms, blazers, neckties or scarves, pins for students at the STARS Academy and the Success Prep program. The packet credited local artist Trisha Perkins for creating an annual artwork the church gives to donors and noted other fundraising activities the church uses to solicit donations.

No formal vote on acceptance of the donation was recorded in the transcript; board members and donors exchanged thanks and recognition as part of the item.