Vacarella has reached out to Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, who has donated a signed helmet, and to coaches at Alabama, Auburn, UAB and in Shelby and Jefferson counties.

Vacarella said he has also extended invitations to Jay Barker, Tony Kurre and Al Del Greco with The Opening Drive on WJOX 94.5, and to Bill O’Reilly at Fox News.

“I only like to do it one way, and you just go all out,” Vacarella said. “When you’re dealing with someone’s life, you want to do the most you can, and we have just been swarmed with people with open hearts wanting to help.”

Organizers expect between 500 and 1,000 people to attend the event, where the fundraising goal is set at $50,000.

Those who cannot attend the event but want to help may donate to the Michael J. Shaw account at any Regions Bank office.

Tailgating will be held from 6-6:45 p.m., and the main event will start at 7 p.m.

Companies have donated water, cookies, cakes and other items.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office will provide security and traffic control for the event.

“The support, and the open hearts, has been overwhelming,” Vacarella said. “It has really, really brought our church together. We’ve never had this much excitement in the churches in Shelby County.”

Union, The Church at Chelsea Park donated funds collected at its annual Valentine’s banquet on Feb. 12 to Shaw and his family.

“I just can’t thank the people enough from this county who have wanted to help,” Vacarella said. “I have gotten phone calls and emails every day, some people I have no idea who they are.”

To make a reservation for the March 18 event, contact Linda Coleman at 678-6677.