By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

CHELSEA – Thousands of people attended King’s Home’s third annual Kampfire for the King Nov. 18, according to King’s Home President Lew Burdette.

The event began at 2 p.m. with a fishing rodeo on the campus’ lake. Students from the Oak Mountain, Hayden, Chelsea, Thompson and Pelham fishing teams joined the rodeo and helped participants.

“They came out for their community service days for the fishing team programs,” professional angler and King’s Home spokesperson Randy Howell said. “They got a picture of what it’s like to help others.”

More than 70 volunteers helped with the fishing rodeo, and Mark’s Outdoors supplied 75 rods and reels, bait and tackle, Howell said.

The event also had a hayride around the campus lake, a kid zone full of bounce houses and a live nativity. Live music included Catalyst Red, Day SeVen, Just Friends Little Big Band and Carson Bruce. Joe Brantley, pastor of student ministries at Concord Baptist Church in Calera, presented a message.

At the conclusion of Kampfire for the King, Howell presented the winner of his 2012 tournament bass boat. Last year, 922 tickets were sold for $100 apiece to win the boat. This year, Howell said 960 tickets were sold in 43 states and two other countries, which raised $96,000 for King’s Home.

Nathan Stephen from Montgomery won the $70,000 Triton Mercury bass boat.

“Who would have ever thought a bass boat could help raise that much money for such a great bunch of people here at King’s Home?” Howell said. “We’re just blessed and thankful to do it.”