Gail Royal continues to fight cancer, infections and complications — just as she has worked 12-hour days in her Montgomery restaurant, Gail’s Down the Street.

For 33 years, Gail’s has been the people’s meat-and-three and the political lunch bunch.

Now, the hundreds (maybe thousands) of Alabama people she has helped with her smile, spirit and Christian words of comfort are helping her in her time of need.

Friends of Gail, 74, are throwing a party – a benefit in her honor.  It will be quite a party, featuring the music of Gail’s early life, the 1960s.

Longtime Montgomery singing icon Sonny Grier will headline the stage. Opening for Sonny will be “Andy Norman and the Jitterbug All Stars.”

Tickets for the benefit are quite a bargain (like the lunches at Gail’s). $10. Donations above that amount are welcome but optional.

The party will be at The Red Fez Club at the Alcatraz Shrine, 555 Eastern Blvd, Montgomery.

Sonny Grier has been at it since 1963 at Montgomery’s Lee High School. He was the lead singer for The Rockin’ Gibraltars. “Bit By the Bug of Soul.”

Gail’s medical expenses exceed her insurance coverage. Also, without Gail’s magical presence, the restaurant has naturally suffered.

We the people are standing in the gap.

Those unable to come to the party can contribute to Gail’s cause at GoFundMe: Fundraiser by Jamie McCandless : Support Gail Royal & Down the Street Cafe

Rick Karle recently devoted one of his ‘Good News’ posts to Gail, urging the community to support her as she recovers.

You can help Gail with your prayers, eating lunch at Gail’s Down the Street, your presence at the August 14 tribute, and your donation (above) to GoFundMe.

Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler is a freelance writer about the colorful and positive in Alabama — her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor. You can reach him with your comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.