By Morgan Bryce
Associate Editor

Building a strong bond between members of the area’s first responders and special needs community is the goal of the “Hamburgers 4 Heroes” event Sept. 8 from 4-6 p.m. at Opelika’s Municipal Park.
Organized by Opelika resident and Autism Society of Alabama member Luanne Helms, the event will feature an evening full of food, fun and games, opportunities to interact with first responder vehicles as well as free rides on the Rocky Brook Rocket from 5-6 p.m.
“The main goal of the event is to honor our first responders for what they do in the community, and at the same time, bring together our special needs families with them. By working with our first responders, I hope increase the awareness and understanding for our special needs community,” Helms said.
Nearly 100 people attended last year’s ‘Ice Cream 4 Heroes” event organized by Helms and held at the Collaboration Station in downtown Opelika. She added that this is the follow-up to that event.
For more information or updates, call Helms at 334-707-0116. Municipal Park is located at Park Road across from the Denson Drive Recreation Center.