Former New York Giants center and life-long resident of Effingham County Dusty Zeigler has joined the fundraising efforts in Effingham County for the victims of the Imperial Sugar Plant disaster.

Zeigler joins a host of Effingham County business owners and residents trying to raise $50,000 for the four Effingham County victims of the Imperial Sugar plant explosion that claimed the lives of nine Coastal Empire residents, one of whom lived in Effingham County.

Zeigler has agreed to sign autographs between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fundraiser slated for March 8 at Kelly’s Tavern in Springfield. He is also donating an autographed New York Giants 2008 Super Bowl football.

Other fundraising efforts include Boston butt sales, a bake sale, raffles the day of the fundraiser, a silent auction, food sales and live entertainment sales. Walt’s TV Appliance and Furniture has donated a 32-inch flat screen television for the raffle, valued at close to $1,000. Other raffle items include a 10-speed bike and a trimmer, donated by Gnann’s Fix-It Shop.

Silent auction items donated so far include University of Georgia Bulldog football merchandise, oil changes, chiropractic consultations, beauty salon services and much more.

Kelly’s Tavern has agreed to donate 100 percent of outside food sales on March 8 to the recovery effort, and will have a limited menu inside the restaurant with 50 percent of sales going to the recovery effort. Other restaurants are currently being solicited to participate in this event. 

Live entertainment will include Zeigler as well as DJs and other local bands through out the day. Several county officials as well as elected state leaders are expected to attend.

All money raised will directly benefit the four Effingham County victims of the Imperial Sugar Plant disaster — Paul Seckinger, Justin Purnell, Troy Bacon and Michael “Kelly” Fields.

Boston butt tickets can be purchased at Gnann’s Fix-It Shop, Kelly’s Tavern or by calling 704-7651 or 547-0624.

Monetary contributions may also be made at any Citizen’s Bank location in Effingham County or Port Wentworth. Checks can be made out to the ECIS Recovery Fund. 

Volunteers are needed for the fundraiser on March 8, as well as food donation for the Boston butt sales, and items for the raffle and silent auction. For more information, call Melissa Reagan at 704-7651.