ALABAMA—Twenty members from the Alabama and Mississippi congregations of the Philadelphia Church of God worked as ushers on May 1, 2016, for a fundraiser during the Geico 500 race at the Talladega Super Speedway.

After meeting for breakfast at the home of members Jeffery and Krystle Hardin, the group went to the racetrack and received instructions on checking tickets and helping patrons find their seats.

Due to thunderstorms in the forecast, race officials deliberated over whether to cancel the event. Although weather conditions remained cloudy, warm and ripe for storms, the decision was made to continue as planned. The bad weather held until everyone began to leave the 2.6-mile track after the 40-car, 500-lap race.

The congregation raised a total of $1,180 during the event.