Friends of Montgomery restaurateur Gail Royal set up a benefit for her fight with cancer, and the people responded. So much so that a change to a larger location was required.

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

Now, the Friday, August 14 benefit/dance has moved to a larger venue. It’s a fitting one. It will be at Gail’s Down the Street, the restaurant she has operated for 33 years. 2741 Zelda Road, Montgomery.

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 Jukebox 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.

Sonny Grier has been entertaining since 1963 at Montgomery’s Robert E. 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. It has been “Gail’s NOT down the street. She’s in the hospital.”

We the people are standing in the gap.

Those unable to come to the party can contribute to Gail’s cause at a GoFundMe started by her daughter:

Fundraiser by Jamie McCandless : Support Gail Royal & Down the Street Cafe

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 [email protected].