It'll cost a pretty penny

Alabama football fans in the Shoals will have an opportunity to hear their new head coach when Nick Saban speaks at the Deshler High School fundraiser banquet Thursday, July 12.

The banquet will be held at the Deshler gym and begin at 6 p.m.

"We've very excited to have Coach Saban come to Deshler," said Jeff Henry, president of the Deshler quarterback club. "I don't know if he could be any more popular than he is right now, unless he wins a national championship next year.

"We started on this not long after Coach Saban came to Alabama. Getting it worked out was an interesting ordeal, but we were able to get it worked out. It has certainly created a lot of excitement."

Henry said the banquet is something new at Deshler, and he hopes that it becomes an annual event.

"In the past we've just done small fundraisers," he said. "To do something this big like this is new to us. If everything works out, this could be a huge fundraiser for us. We hope to be able to bring in a well-known speaker every year."

The banquet also will feature a silent auction in the foyer of the gym, featuring autographed helmets, mini helmets, footballs and prints.

"The gym is not air conditioned, so we're bringing in two 60-ton portable air conditioners for the banquet," Henry said. "We feel like this is going to be a great event for Deshler High School."

Tickets for the banquet are $100 per plate and can be purchased at area locations of First Metro Bank. Corporate sponsored tables are available for $1,500 and can be purchased by calling 256-383-0377.

Seating charts can be viewed at First Metro Bank or at www.DeshlerFootball.com.