Night of Stars: Fundraiser for Lady Cougars Softball Team Draws Cougars Basketball Squad, Political Candidates

Chili cookoff event raises nearly $5,000 for high school softball team

Mar. 18, 2026 at 6:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A combination of political candidates and Grayson County High School athletes converged on Friday night at the Alice Theatre for a chili cookoff fundraiser for the Lady Cougars softball team. The event featured introductions of the softball team, autograph signings by the Cougars basketball team, and the presence of several local political candidates.

Why it matters

The fundraiser event brought together the local community to support the high school softball team, while also providing a platform for political candidates to connect with constituents in an informal setting ahead of upcoming elections.

The details

The event packed the Alice Theatre, as attendees met the 2026 Lady Cougars softball team and the Cougars basketball team, who signed autographs and conversed with fans. While the politicians in attendance did not give speeches, they were out in force, with supporters wearing the shirts of their preferred candidate. The event raised nearly $5,000 for the softball team through a silent auction, donations, and the chili cookoff entry fees.

  • The fundraiser event took place on Friday night.
  • The Lady Cougars softball team opens their season on Thursday at 5:30 against Hart County.

The players

Jeff Rak

Head coach of the Lady Cougars softball team.

Sonny Poteet

Candidate for Grayson County Sheriff.

Buck Meredith

Candidate for Grayson County Sheriff.

William 'Billy' Dallas

Candidate for Leitchfield City Council.

Samara Heavrin

18th District state Representative, R-Leitchfield, running unopposed.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The fundraiser event showcased the community's support for the high school softball team, while also providing a platform for local political candidates to connect with constituents ahead of upcoming elections. The event's success in raising nearly $5,000 for the softball team highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives in supporting student athletes.